‘Nearly 10 lakh children to receive deworming tablets in Kalaburagi district’

As part of the National Deworming Day, the district administration has set a target to give deworming tablets to 9,98,205 children aged between 1 and 19, across the Kalaburagi district on February 10, Deputy Commissioner B. Fouzia Taranum said on Thursday.

Chairing a preparatory meeting with the Health Department officials, Ms. Taranum said that the drive would cover 1,64,760 children in the 1-5 age group and 8,33,445 children in the 6-19 age group, who will be given Albendazole tablets as per age norms through anganwadis, schools and colleges.

Recalling that the district had achieved 98.5% coverage in 2024-25, the Deputy Commissioner directed officials to strive for 100% coverage this year. “Following the slogan ‘Dewormed Children, Healthy Children’, no child should be missed on February 10. Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and health staff must ensure that every eligible child consumes the tablet,” she said.

Children who miss the dose on February 10 will be covered during the ‘mop-up round’ scheduled on February 16, she added.

Ms. Taranum instructed the Community Health Officers to identify and administer tablets to out-of-school children at the community level and to intensify public awareness. She also asked principals of schools, PU colleges, ITIs and diploma colleges to ensure that every student consumes the tablet.

Clarifying safety concerns, the Deputy Commissioner said that Albendazole tablets were completely safe. Children aged 1-2 years will be given half a tablet, while those aged 2-3 years will receive one full tablet, crushed and mixed with water. Children aged 3-19 years should chew the tablet properly for maximum effectiveness. “There is no need for fear or hesitation while taking the tablet,” she said.

District Health Officer Sharanabasappa Kyatanal, RCHO Sidram Patil, District Training Centre Principal Ravikanti Kyatanal, District Surgeon Asna Rukia Raba, District TB Officer Chandrakant Naribol, entomologist Chamaraj Dodmani, senior medical officer Rajendra Bhalki, and officials from the Health, Women and Child Development and Education departments attended the meeting.

Ms. Taranum also released posters for the National Deworming Day programme on the occasion.