TN launches deworming drive for 2 crore children at 54K anganwadi centres

Statewide campaign kicks off

Tamil Nadu has rolled out a massive deworming drive, targeting over two crore children enrolled in nearly 54,000 anganwadi centres across the state. The initiative, part of the national deworming day programme, aims to administer albendazole tablets to children aged 1 to 19 years.

Health officials said the campaign will be conducted in two phases, with the first round covering anganwadi centres and the second focusing on schools. The tablets are being distributed through trained staff, with supervision from health workers to ensure proper dosage and safety.

Why deworming matters

Soil-transmitted helminth infections, commonly known as intestinal worms, are a significant public health concern among children in India. These infections can lead to anaemia, malnutrition, and impaired cognitive development, affecting a child's ability to learn and grow.

Regular deworming has been shown to improve nutritional status and school attendance. The World Health Organization recommends periodic deworming in areas where worm infections are prevalent, and Tamil Nadu's drive aligns with these guidelines.

Coordination between departments

The campaign is being executed jointly by the departments of health and social welfare, with anganwadi workers playing a pivotal role. They have been trained to identify side effects, which are rare but can include mild nausea or abdominal pain.

District-level officials have been tasked with monitoring the drive's progress and ensuring that no child is left out. Parents are being encouraged to bring their children to the centres, and awareness sessions are being held in villages and urban slums.

Past success and future plans

This is not the first such drive in Tamil Nadu. Previous rounds have reported high coverage, with officials claiming that over 90 per cent of the target population was reached. The state has been consistently working towards reducing the burden of worm infections, and this year's drive is expected to build on that momentum.

Health authorities have also emphasised the importance of hygiene practices, such as handwashing and using clean toilets, to complement the deworming efforts. These measures are crucial to prevent reinfection.

The drive is expected to be completed within a week, after which a post-campaign assessment will be conducted. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact timeline for the school phase, but it is likely to follow shortly.

As the state pushes ahead with this public health intervention, the focus will now shift to sustaining coverage and ensuring that the gains achieved are not reversed. With continued coordination and community participation, Tamil Nadu hopes to set a benchmark for other states in tackling worm infections among children.