Odisha Aims to Reach 12 Million Children and Women in National Deworming Day Initiative

Bhubaneswar: The Department of Health and Family Welfare in Odisha is set to conduct a mop-up round for National Deworming Day (NDD) on 17th February, aiming to reach 12 million children and women across the state. This initiative comes as a part of the ongoing campaign to combat the threat of intestinal worms among vulnerable populations.

The mop-up round is specifically designed for beneficiaries who missed the dose during the initial phase on 10th February. Additionally, children aged 9 to 60 months will receive age-appropriate vitamin A solution at Routine Immunization sites and special Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Day during the same period.

Dr. Bijaya Kumar Panigrahy, Director Family Welfare stated, “During NDD, children aged 6 –19 years and women of reproductive age (20-24 years) will be provided with Albendazole tablets, while children aged 1–5 years will receive age-appropriate Albendazole suspension at respective schools and anganwadi centres facilitated by teachers, Anganwadi Workers, and ASHAs.”

In specific blocks of seven districts – Bolangir, Cuttack, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Khordha, Nayagarh, and Rayagada – where Filariasis doses are administered, only children between 1-2 years in these areas will be covered under NDD, according to Dr. Panigrahy.

All schools and anganwadi centres, including private schools, play schools, childcare institutions, and academic institutions, will serve as implementation sites for NDD. The campaign is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the Department of School and Mass Education, the Department of Women and Child Development, the Department of ST and SC Development, and development partners such as UNICEF.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Sahoo, Nutrition Officer, UNICEF, highlighted the significance of National Deworming Day, stating, “By providing access to deworming medication, we’re not only preventing the harmful effects of intestinal worms but also fostering healthier futures for our children and communities.”