5 days ago
Over 7.16 lakh women, children to be administered albendazole tablets in Krishnagiri
Over 7,16,966 women and children will be covered under the deworming campaign scheduled for Monday (August 11, 2025) in Krishnagiri.
The National Deworming Day is being observed on August 11 with the intended coverage of 7,16,966 women and children, including 5,52,417 children between the ages of 1 and 19 and 1,64,549 children between the ages of 20 and 30 in the district.
The administration, citing the WHO, has stated that Tamil Nadu has about 25% of its population affected by Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections and India contributes 25% to the STH infections globally.
The deworming mission envisions coverage of children and teens from the age 1 to 19; and adolescents between 20 to 30 years of age. While 200 mg of tablet albendazole will be given to children between 1 and 2 years of age, 400 mg will be administered to those above 2 years. Pregnant and lactating women will not be given the tablets.
STH infections are linked to anaemia, malnutrition, impaired growth, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhoea among other symptoms. The infections are also caused from contamination caused by open defecation. Once STH is addressed through albendazole tablets, the weight of the children will increase, along with cognitive development, and physical stamina. Therefore, District Collector C. Dinesh Kumar has invited public to avail the tablets through the camps.
Albendazole tablets will be distributed through 1,796 anganwadi centres, 61 primary health centres, 270 upgraded primary health centres and all schools and colleges.
Children who are missed out from coverage will be covered during the second round on August 18.
