The National Deworming Month is a twice a year campaign during the months of January and July. It aims to treat and to prevent soil-transmitted helminth infections that have a detrimental impact on children’s growth and development. As of 2016, the prevalence of roundworm infections in the Philippines still falls above 20 %. Thus, the 2017 WHO Guidelines recommend mass deworming for school-age children living in areas where the prevalence of intestinal worms is 20 % or higher.
Why is having worms detrimental to children’s growth and development?
Worms are intestinal parasites that compete with nutrients and even steal nutrients from their host. It leads to malnutrition, weakness, feeling tired, impaired mental and physical development in growing children and poor performance in school and work.
How does an individual or child get worms?
Worm eggs and worms can be found in contaminated soil or water which can enter the body through direct contact, unclean food or water and through the skin when walking barefoot on contaminated soil. Once inside the body, they travel into the intestines and multiply and release their eggs together with the feces. When these infected feces make their way to the water system through inadequate sanitation systems, it may infect other healthy individuals and the cycle repeats itself.
How can we get rid of worms?
Deworming tablets such as Albendazole and Mebendazole have been proven safe and effective against worms. They come in flavored chewable tablets. They stop the worms from growing and are excreted through the feces. However, children can be easily reinfected, thus the DOH recommends deworming school-age children twice a year.
What are the expected effects and side effects?
Adverse side effects are rare and are usually caused by the dead worms such as abdominal discomfort, headache and nausea which can be managed by rest and giving clean water. In case of allergic reactions such as rashes and itchiness, anti-allergy medications can be given.
How can we prevent children from having worms again?
As part of the DOH WASH or the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for All Campaign, here are some steps on how to prevent having soil transmitted helminth infections:
1. Deworm twice a year. Deworming medications only kill the adult worms. Deworming twice a year helps kill the remaining worm eggs and prevents the spread and reinfection of other individuals.
2. Do not defecate in the open. Defecation in the open spreads worm eggs into the soil, water or environment which may come in direct contact with the skin, water system or food.
3. Wear slippers or shoes. This is to prevent hookworm infections which usually come from direct skin contact with contaminated soil.
4. Wash hands with soap and clean water. Since worm eggs can be found in contaminated feces, soil or water, it is important to wash your hands before eating to prevent infection.
5. Wash vegetables and cook them thoroughly before eating. Worm eggs can survive in the soil for months and can contaminate vegetables and fruits. Cleaning raw fruits and vegetables with clean water and thorough cooking (boiling point) will help kill the worm eggs and prevent infection.
/AET
References:
Department of Health (n.d.) DOH Conducts National Deworming Month to Reinforce Prevention and Control of Soil-Transmitted Helminths. GOVPH. Retrieved from https://doh.gov.ph/node/10545
World Health Organization (n.d.). Deworming in children. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/elena/titles/deworming/en/
Department of Education (2018). WASH in Schools: Three Star Approach. Deworming: How to Reach the Stars. Metro Manila: Department of Education. Retrieved from www.deped.gov.ph
