The national deworming days are significant events held biannually in order to combat soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), commonly known as intestinal worms. These days, which occur on February 10 and August 10 every year, target children and adolescents ranging from 1 to 19 years old. Their goal is the eradication of these harmful parasites through the distribution of a safe, globally accepted treatment known as Albendazole.
National Deworming Days (NDD)
Inaugurated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2015, the National Deworming Day is a major public health initiative that aims to reach millions of children and adolescents. To achieve this, it holds two rounds every year in various institutions including government schools, government-aided schools, private schools, and anganwadis. Albendazole, the medication used for this program, has a solid global reputation for its efficacy against worm infections in children. This campaign is an integral component of Anemia Mukt Bharat and works in tandem with the Swachh Bharat Mission. The NDD program is a joint effort between different ministries, including the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
About Intestinal Worms
Intestinal worms are parasitic organisms that inhabit the human intestines and feed on nutrients and vitamins consumed by the host. The three most prevalent types are roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworms (Trichuris trichiura), and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale). During their lifecycle in the human body, these parasites lay thousands of eggs daily.
Transmission of Intestinal Worms
STHs primarily spread through the eggs present in feces deposited in the environment. This often happens due to open defecation or improper personal hygiene. The eggs subsequently get ingested, causing a new infestation.
Effects of Intestinal Worms on Health
These parasitic worms feed on the tissues of the human body, including blood, resulting in a loss of iron and protein. This can cause anaemia, a condition characterized by reduced oxygen-carrying capacity due to a decrease in the amount of Haemoglobin in the body. Other negative impacts of worm infection can include diarrhoea, dysentery, loss of appetite, and physical fitness. Further, it can lead to malabsorption, a condition that hinders the absorption of nutrients through the small intestine. It is estimated that over 22 crore children under 14 years of age in India are at risk of STH infections.
Through initiatives like the National Deworming Days, India hopes to curb the widespread problem of worm infections among young children and adolescents. With regular doses of Albendazole being administered across various institutions, the country is moving towards complete eradication of such parasitic diseases.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024