Imran Shah
Kishtwar: DD, The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) team of Block Kishtwar organized a deworming awareness program at Upper Primary School Kundhali Poochal, Zone Kishtwar, on National Deworming Day. The initiative, aimed at improving child health and preventing intestinal worm infections, was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Rajinder Kumar, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Kishtwar, and Dr. Anil Kumar Sharma, Block Medical Officer (BMO), Kishtwar.
Led by Dr. Nazir Hussain , MO and Mr. Ashiq Hussain Malik, the team educated students on the impact of worm infestations, which can cause anemia, malnutrition, weakness, and fatigue. They distributed Albendazole tablets free of cost to children aged 1-19 years as part of the nationwide campaign.
Dr. Nazir Hussain emphasized the importance of deworming, stating, “Intestinal worms are a silent threat to children’s health, leading to malnutrition and stunted growth. Regular deworming helps improve overall well-being, ensuring better physical and cognitive development.”
Mr. Sanjay Kumar Parihar, In-Charge Headmaster of Upper Primary School Kundhali Poochal, welcomed the team and highlighted the importance of maintaining hygiene to prevent infections. Dr. Nazir Hussain reinforced this message, saying, “Along with deworming, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene practices such as washing hands, keeping nails short, and avoiding open defecation. These simple habits can significantly reduce the chances of reinfection.”
The team emphasized key preventive measures to avoid worm infestations, including keeping surroundings clean, washing hands with soap—especially before eating and after using the toilet—wearing shoes to prevent soil-transmitted infections, and always using a toilet instead of open defecation. They also advised washing fruits and vegetables with clean water, keeping nails trimmed, covering food, and drinking clean water to reduce the risk of reinfection.
The campaign also includes a Mop-Up Day scheduled for March 17, 2025, ensuring that children who missed the initial deworming receive their dose. This initiative, carried out under the Health Education Bureau, Directorate of Health Services Jammu, aligns with the Anemia Mukt Bharat campaign and aims to reduce the prevalence of parasitic infections among children. By raising awareness and providing essential treatment, the RBSK team is taking a crucial step toward ensuring a healthier future for children in the region.DD
