Along with the rest of the country, National Deworming Day (NDD) was observed across the state on February 10. NDD is an initiative of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India which started in February 2015 and is held twice in a year to eliminate worm infestation of children between the age group of 1 to 19 years of age.
KOHIMA: Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Kohima, under the National Health Mission (NHM), observed the day at Government High School, Forest Colony, Kohima. The event was led by Dr. Khrievilhou Nakhro, DPO (RCH/UIP).
At the launching programme, DPO (RMNCAH+N), Dr. Khrievilhou Nakhro, explained that worm infections in children cause health issues like anemia, nutritional impairment, loss of appetite, weakness & anxiety, stomach problems, nausea, vomiting & diarrhea and blood in stool.
He said de-worming tablets were provided free of cost at schools and Anganwadi centers for children aged 1-19. He explained that de-worming directly controls anemia and improves nutrition, while indirectly boosting immunity, concentration, learning, work potential, and breaking the transmission cycle, leading to reduced worm infestations in the community.
MO (RBSK) Dr. Nikdirenla Lusang emphasized the importance of NDD to the students and demonstrated the six steps of handwashing at the school. Earlier, the program was chaired by DPM, Avikali Jakhalu, welcome note by Asst. Headmistress, Swedesunuo Zao and vote of thanks by MO (RBSK), Dr. Katila Longchar.
MOKOKCHUNG: Mokokchung launched the first round of District Level National Deworming Day at Government Middle School Mopongsen, Merangkong. The campaign will be conducted across schools, AWCs, and health units throughout Mokokchung district.
The programme was conducted by RBSK team Mokokchung led by MO (Ayush), Dr. Suimzenla, & MO (Ayush), Dr.Arenkaba. At the launching program MO (Ayush), Dr. Suimzenla, delivered a health talk on the effects of parasitic worms on health, the importance of hygiene, and its treatment to the students and teachers. She explained that the objective of the day was to deworm children and adolescents to reduce the prevalence of parasitic worms in the intestines.
Later, the RBSK team from the office of the Chief Medical Officer, Mokokchung, administered the required dose of Albendazole tablets to all the children enrolled in the school.
WOKHA: In Wokha, the programme was organised by Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Wokha at Government Middle School, Sector D, Forest Colony Wokha.
In a press release CMO Office, Wokha informed that at the launching programme, Medical Officer, RBSK, Dr. Lirenthung Khuvung, highlighted the importance of deworming, sanitation, hand hygiene, and Anemia Mukt Bharat. He explained that worm infestations can hinder a child’s growth and development and that taking Albendazole tablets can prevent anaemia and malnutrition.
Dr. Khuvung also encouraged the participants to keep their surroundings clean, wash food with clean water, and practicing proper handwashing. During the program, the RBSK team administered deworming and iron folic acid tablets to students and conducted anemia screenings.
PHEK: Phek District officially launched the 1st Round of National Deworming Day (NDD) on February 10 at Bishop Abraham Memorial School Phek by Dr.Shasinle Tep District Program Officer (DPO) Phek along with DPMU staffs.
Dr.Shasinle highlighted on the NDD program which was been conducted every year to combat worm infestations. NDD program will be organized in a fixed day approach using the platforms of schools and Anganwadi Centres across the district.
The Mop Up round will be organised on February 17 as per the Standard Operational Guidelines. The Albendazole tablet will be administered to children from the age group of 1-19 years to reduce the harm caused by Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH).
At the launching program total of 300 students along with teaching staffs were administered with Albendazole tablet. ASSAM RIFLES: To mark the day, Assam Rifles organized an awareness programme at Government school in Kiphire, to educate students on the importance of hygiene, sanitation, and proper nutrition in preventing worm infections.
The initiative aimed to promote better health among children and reinforce Assam Rifles’ commitment to the well-being of local communities. The session was conducted in the local language to ensure that every student could understand, relate, and actively participate in the discussion.
Assam Rifles personnel highlighted essential practices such as washing hands with soap, maintaining personal hygiene, wearing clean clothes, and drinking safe water to prevent infections.
The importance of using toilets instead of open defecation was also emphasized to curb the spread of diseases. A special focus was placed on the significance of consuming nutritious food and avoiding spoiled or fast food, which can weaken immunity and lead to infections. Students were encouraged to eat fresh vegetables, fruits, and home-cooked meals rich in essential vitamins and minerals for their overall growth and development.