BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - The Department of Health Center for Health and Development – Cordillera (DOH – CAR) enjoins parents and guardians in communities  to support the observance of National Deworming Month by  bringing  their children to the health centers to get dewormed. 
 

DOH – CAR Medical Technologist II Dianne Aurora Delizo, in a Kapihan media forum, shared that National Deworming Month   in the country is observed in January and July. For this year, it adopts the theme, “Makilahok sa Oplan Goodbye Bulate para maging malusog, masigla at matalino ang inyong mga Anak!”

Delizo outlined that worm or parasitic worm infections have adverse effects among children  as they interfere with their health, nutrition and education through decreased physical and mental development, characterized by less physical activity, low  performance in school. In severe cases, it may cause death.

There are various types of parasitic worms in the soil that causes Soil Transmitted Helminths or STH infections which are usually being transmitted by ingesting worm eggs through contaminated food or hands, walking barefoot and inhalation of worm eggs.
 
Parasitic worm infection can be prevented by using WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) strategy, which includes using sanitary toilets, improving hygiene through washing hands before eating and after using the toilets, wearing slippers or shoes, drinking safe and clean water and participating in deworming services.
 
For the government deworming service  which is now devolved to the local government units, it is   done through   two doses of Albendazole or Mebendazole, and  given free during the National Deworming Month, Delizo explained.

Pregnant women and adults who are diagnosed with parasitic worm infection can also avail of the deworming services in the health centers in their community, she added.

In 2023,  DOH – CAR data showed   there were 60,780 12 – 59 months old children given with two doses of deworming drugs;  19,284 among 5 – 9 years old children,  and 28,227 among adolescents (10 – 19 years old children).
 
With the support of the communities, DOH – CAR expects to attain increase in deworming accomplishments . It hopes  to reach the target of deworming  of at least 85 percent of the eligible populations in the region. (CCD/PIA CAR)