Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Bhupinder Kumar, today launched National De-worming Day campaign at Government Higher Secondary School, Marh, here.The De-worming Day is an initiative to make children worm free and grow healthy.
Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary emphasized on the importance of De-worming of 1-19 years age group in all government and private schools as well as Anganwadis. He also emphasized on sound mental health, Nasha Mukti, strengthening of Ayushman Bharat, school health and RBSK activities in school and community.
He 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.
Secretary informed 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.
“De-worming helps in improving capacity to learn, work potential, livelihood opportunity and attendance at schools which would prove beneficial to the society,” he added.The Secretary emphasized 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 both at Govt and private schools as well as Anganwadi centers.
He informed that as per latest NCDC survey conducted in August 2022 there has been significant decline in the prevalence of STH infection among school children from baseline survey conducted in 2017 from 56% to 36.5%.Earlier, Secretary inspected CHC Marh and kick started plantation drive around the area and administered pledge of commitment under Meri Maati, Mera Desh Campaign.
Director Health Services, Jammu, Epidemiologist /Divisional Nodal Officer NHM, Chief Medical Officer Jammu, Block Medical Officer Marh, Chairman BDC, Member DDC, Principal GHS School, Marh and other medical staff were also present at the event.Similar programmes were inaugurated across the UT at District & Sub District Level by District Development Commissioners and other senior officers.