DOH Launches National School Deworming Day

The Department of Health today observes a simultaneous implementation of Oplan Goodbye Bulate, the nationwide campaign of the National School Deworming Day (NSDD). It aims to deworm approximately 16 million school aged children enrolled in public elementary schools in one day.

According to Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin, soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) can cause poor physical growth, poor intellectual development in children and can result to anemia and malnutrition not only in children but also among women of child bearing age. The highest intensity of infection has been documented among children aged 1 to 12 years old.    Pre-school aged children (1-4 years old) suffer the greatest morbidity, while school-aged children (5-12 years old) harbour the greatest load of infection.

Marked reduction in STH prevalence has been observed in the country after several years of deworming based on the partial results of the National Parasite Survey (2013) done by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. The preliminary results showed 12-38% prevalence rate (2013) compared to 65% among 6-14 years old (UP-CPH 2003).

The campaign seeks to increase mass administration coverage for school-aged children or for five – 12 years old or for those in Kindergarten to Grade 6.  Deworming children in schools has been found to be a good strategy to reduce the burden of STH infections with a positive impact on children’s education and health. Aside from deworming, children during the NSDD are expected to do hand washing, feeding, and tooth brushing drills.

“The DOH always reiterates that prevention is better than cure. Huwag na natin antayin na magkasakit ang ating mga anak. Makiisa na sa National Deworming Day at ating pahintulutang purgahin ng ating mga health worker ang inyong mga anak.”