Deworming tablets distributed to children and women

As part of National Deworming Day observance, albendazole tablets, which eliminate parasitic worms or soil-transmitted helminths, were distributed to children and women across the district on Monday.

Parasitic worms interfere with nutrient absorption in children and contribute to anaemia, malnourishment, and impaired mental and physical development. The condition affects 25% of the country’s population. Children aged 1–2 years were given 200 mg (half of an albendazole tablet), while those aged 2–19 received a 400 mg tablet. Girls and women aged 20–30, except pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, were also given a 400 mg tablet.

Children in 2,080 Anganwadi centres and 311 sub-centres received the tablets, while girls under 19 years old in 1,410 government schools, 329 private schools, and 63 colleges were also provided with the medication. The tablets were distributed among a total of 725,892 children, along with 175,531 women aged 20–30, through 3,455 staff members. Those who have not received the tablets will be given them on February 17.

Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara inspected the tablet distribution at the Panchayat Union Middle School in Teachers Colony in the afternoon.