The district administration Poonch today discussed the activity plan for the National De-worming Day here at a meeting of officers chaired by District Development Commissioner, Mohammad Harun Malik.The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Poonch gave a detailed resume of activities to be taken up as part of the National De-worming Day. He listed the benefits of de-worming in schools and Anganwari Centres and stressed on community awareness and mobilization. He also informed about the steps to be taken by the schools and Anganwari centres before national de-worming day recording and reporting.The main objective of National De-worming Day is to de-worm all children between the age of 1 to 19 years at schools and Anganwari centres.
The worm infection can cause anemia, malnutrition, impaired physical and mental health of the children, threats study and productivity in later life.Speaking at the meeting, the DC stressed on launching effective combat programme including comprehensive health education to the children at school and Anganwari centres to reduce risk of the disease.He further said ‘mass awareness programme’ regarding the benefits of proper hand washing and sanitation can play important role in preventing such diseases.He further directed all the stakeholders to work with dedication and make this event successful and result oriented to maintain good health of younger generation.The meeting was also informed about national guidelines on school based de-worming.The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Programme Officer ICDS, District Panchayat Officer, Executive Engineer PHE and Rural Development, Block Medical Officers, Mandi, Surankote, Mendhar, District Monitoring and evaluation officer NHM and District Health Officer.