Perambalur to launch deworming drive for over 2.18 lakh children, women from August 10
The Perambalur district administration will distribute deworming tablets to more than 2.18 lakh children, adolescents, and women as part of the National Deworming Day programme from August 10 to 17. The initiative, coordinated by the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, aims to reduce the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the district.
District Collector Sharanya Ari, in a press release on Monday, said that Albandezole tablets will be administered to 1,72,960 individuals aged between one and 19 years. In addition, 45,034 women — excluding those who are pregnant or lactating — will also receive the medication. The total target population therefore stands at 2,17,994.
Children aged one to five years will receive the tablets at anganwadi centres, while those between six and 19 years will be covered in schools and colleges. For children not enrolled in any educational institution, village health nurses and anganwadi staff will personally attend to them, ensuring that the programme reaches every eligible beneficiary in the district.
As part of the drive, children and adolescents will also be given orientation on personal hygiene practices. This educational component is designed to complement the deworming effort by promoting habits that help prevent re-infection, such as proper handwashing and safe sanitation practices.
The National Deworming Day is a flagship programme of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, observed biannually across the country. It aims to protect children and women from worm infections that can lead to anaemia, malnutrition, and impaired physical and cognitive development. The Perambalur district administration has urged all eligible beneficiaries to participate in the programme and cooperate with health workers during the scheduled days.
Officials have been instructed to ensure the availability of sufficient tablets, maintain cold-chain facilities where required, and follow all guidelines for safe administration. The district health machinery has also been asked to document the coverage and address any cases of adverse reactions promptly.
