Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education, Atal Dulloo, today launched the National De-worming campaign here at Government Higher Secondary School, Boys, Gandhi Nagar- an initiative to make children worm free and grow healthy.The campaign has been launched simultaneously in the five districts of summer zone viz Udhampur, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, and Jammu.In winter zone the De-worming initiative would start on March 20, 2019 when schools reopen after vacations.The Principal Secretary urged the children to adhere to the practice of washing hands with soap, especially before eating, after using toilet and wearing shoes. He also stressed on following the tips on hygiene, sanitation and cleanliness.He said that the campaign holds great importance as intestinal worm infections can cause anaemia, nutritional impairment, loss of appetite, weakness and anxiety, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, impaired physical and cognitive development and may cause a serious threat to children’s health, education and productivity.“Deworming helps in improving capacity to learn, work potential, livelihood opportunity and attendance at schools which would prove beneficial to the society,” he added.He also said that the main aim of the campaign is to de-worm all pre-school and school-age children (enrolled and Non-enrolled) between the age group of 01 to 19 through the platform of schools and Anganwadi centers.Dulloo stressed upon children to be aware of the health education, proper hygiene and precautions which would reduce the worm infection. He further said that the proper hand washing and sanitation play an important role in preventing such diseases.Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr Sameer Mattoo, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Chief Medical Officer, Jammu, Deputy CMO, Jammu, Principal Boys Higher Secondary School, besides school staff, students and other concerned were present on the occasion.