National Deworming Day 2024: Facts to know on National Deworming Day

Every year February 10 is observed as National Deworming Day with the aim to provide treatment for worm infections in school-going children. On this day, all children of age 1 to 19 years are given a drug for intestinal worms by their teachers at government and government-aided schools. In addition to this, the treatment is also provided by the anganwadi workers annually. Worm infection in children can lead to stunted physical and mental growth.

National Deworming Day 2024 Date

Here, you can check schedule of National Deworming Day to be celebrated in coming years:

National Deworming Day 2024 Overview

Facts to know about National Deworming Day

Check out some interesting facts about worm infection and deworming this National Deworming Day:

1. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India is responsible for all activities related to National Deworming Day (NDD).
2. As per WHO, more than 240 million children in India of ages between 1 and 14 years are at risk of parasitic intestinal worms.
3. India accounts for 65% of parasitic worm cases in South East Asia and 27% of the world.
4. A bi-annual round of deworming is carried out in the States where prevalence of STH infection is more than 20%.
5. Roundworm, whipworm and hookworms are some common worms that infect children the most.
6. Albendazole is the deworming drug used by the Government of India.

National Deworming Day History & Significance

Worms can create long-term health issues in children and interfere with their health, education, and overall well-being, even if their effects might not be visible immediately. Without knowing, children can carry worms for a long time and the only visible symptoms might be their hindered physical and mental health. It was therefore deemed necessary to treat all children despite not appearing sick and the observation of National Deworming Day came into being.

According to a report by the World Health Organization, around 241 million children in India, all between the ages of 1 and 14 years are at risk of parasitic intestinal worms. The presence of these parasitic worms is also known as Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) and are very harmful to children. In light of this, National Deworming Day was launched in 2015 and the first National Deworming Day was observed on February 10^th, 2015. The objective of this day is to deworm all preschool and school-age children to improve their overall health, nutritional status, access to education and quality of life.

Reasons for National Deworming Day Observation

Deworming is already a part of various programs including the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Program (WIFS) but with growing cases, there was a dedicated need to observe National Deworming Day. Worm infections not just impede the health, nutrition and education of children by causing anemia and malnourishment.

Children suffering from these conditions are often underweight and have stunted growth and those with heavy infections are often too sick or too tired to concentrate at school or attend school at all. By deworming children from time to time, all these risks can be prevented. National Deworming Day also draws the attention of people all over the country towards the risk of worm infection and urges them to be a part of the complete elimination of worm infection.

More Tips to Prevent Worm Infection

Other than medication, there are some hygienic habits following which the spread of worm infection can be prevented. Check them below.

• Using sanitary toilets
• Never defecating outside
• Washing hands before eating and after using the toilets
• Wearing slippers and shoes
• Properly washing fruits and vegetables with clean water
• Eating properly and hygienically cooked food

Frequently Asked Questions