Deworming tablets to be given to over 6.6 lakh beneficiaries in Erode
Erode district in Tamil Nadu is launching a special National Deworming Day campaign on August 10 to distribute albendazole tablets to over 6.6 lakh beneficiaries. The initiative aims to combat soil-transmitted worm infections among children and young women to prevent health complications like anaemia and malnutrition.
Why it matters
Public health campaigns are critical for reducing the prevalence of parasitic infections in developing regions, directly impacting long-term physical and cognitive development in children.
The National Deworming Day special campaign will be held across Erode district on August 10, with albendazole tablets to be distributed to more than 6.6 lakh eligible beneficiaries.
A release from Collector S. Kandasamy said the campaign is being organised as per the directions of the State government to prevent soil-transmitted worm infections. The World Health Organisation estimates that 24% of the population in India is affected by such infections. In Tamil Nadu, the prevalence is estimated at 5–10%, while it is 39% among tribal communities.
Roundworms, hookworms and whipworms are common intestinal parasites. Though infections may often be asymptomatic, severe cases can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and weakness. Worm infestation can also lead to iron deficiency, anaemia, malnutrition and impaired physical development.
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