Thathri, Aug. 12 — As part of the National Deworming Day campaign, 16,600 children across Block Thathri received Albendazole tablets on Tuesday in a concerted effort to curb worm-related ailments and improve child health indicators in the region.
The campaign was spearheaded by Block Medical Officer (BMO) Thathri, Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Kichloo, who visited several schools and Anganwadi Centres to personally monitor the exercise. Dr. Kichloo also administered doses to children and highlighted the role of deworming in fostering healthy growth and preventing malnutrition.
The initiative covered the areas of Thathri, Gundna, and Bhatyas, all falling under the jurisdiction of the Thathri health block. “Regular deworming is a simple yet effective public health intervention. It safeguards our children’s well-being and contributes to their overall development,” Dr. Kichloo said.
Divisional Training Coordinator Sh. Jonson Chandail, BM&EO Sh. Irfan Thouker, and MMHW Sh. Kamal Deep joined the BMO in overseeing the programme, ensuring its smooth execution. Their involvement was credited with boosting participation from teachers, parents, and frontline health workers.
Health officials described the large-scale drive as a significant stride towards eliminating intestinal worm infections among children in the block, underscoring its potential to improve school attendance and learning outcomes.
The National Deworming Day campaign is a biannual initiative of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aimed at addressing soil-transmitted helminth infections among children aged 1 to 19 years through mass administration of safe, chewable tablets.
Raja Shakeel is a journalist associated with The Chenab Times. Read More.