prevalence rate of Soil transmitted helminths (STH) in Himachal Pradesh has been declined substantially

Deworming is an initiative of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government

of India to make every child in the country worm free. This is one of the largest

public health programs reaching large number of children during a short period.

According to World Health Organization 241 million children between the ages of

1 and 14 years are at risk of parasitic intestinal worms in India, also known as Soil-

Transmitted Helminths (STH).Helminths (worms) which are transmitted through

soil contaminated with faecal matter are called soil-transmitted helminths

(Intestinal parasitic worms). Roundworm, whipworm and hookworms are worms

that infect people.

As per the Govt. of India survey report of June 2019 the prevalence rate of Soil

transmitted helminths (STH) in Himachal Pradesh has been declined substantially

from 29% in 2015 to 0.3% .

Importance of Deworming: Anganwadi and school-based mass deworming

program is safe, cost-effective, and can reach lakhs of children quickly.

Deworming has been shown to reduce absenteeism in schools; improve health,

nutritional, and learning outcomes; and increase the likelihood of higher-wage jobs

later in life.

De-worming is conducted every year twice a year during the month of May and

November with an approximate target no of 19,10,013 children in the age group of

1year to 19 years. In Himachal Pradesh NDD is being observed on 21.11.22

through Govt schools ,Private schools and Anganwadi centers during which the

coverage of Tab Albendazole for the age group 1-19 years is 17,19,011 Children

and Vitamin A drops for 1-5 years is 4,60,000 children respectively. Mop up round

of the same for the left out children will be done on 25th Nov 2022.