The critical role of deworming programs in keeping our children healthy
Deworming programs remain a critical public health intervention in the Philippines, where parasitic infections affect a large percentage of school-age children. While the program is proven to reduce stunting and improve cognitive development, recent misinformation following a tragic death has hindered participation.
Why it matters
It highlights the tension between essential public health initiatives and the impact of medical misinformation on community trust.
Manila Bulletin - The critical role of deworming programs in keeping our children healthy
The critical role of deworming programs in keeping our children healthy
Worm infestations are among the most common parasitic infections in the world, with a disproportionate burden of infection in resource-limited settings like the Philippines. Despite our recent upgrade to upper-middle-income country status, about half of school-age children in our country are infected with worms. In some areas, the prevalence of worm infection has been found to be as high as 95 percent. The most common types of worms seen are Ascaris, whipworm, and pinworm.
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