Date:24/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/24/stories/2007022411430100.htm

Front Page

De-worming for schoolchildren begins

Special Correspondent

Chennai Corporation resumes the exercise after a long time

WAR AGAINST WORM: A child being administered a chewable tablet for de-worming at the Corporation Primary School. — Photo: S.S. Kumar

CHENNAI: The Chennai Corporation on Friday began administering de-worming tablets to over 1.50 lakh children in city schools.

The chewable tablets (Albendazole, 400 mg) are said to be effective against all intestinal worm infestations, say health officials. "De-worming is a regular part of the Corporation's activities, but it had been suspended for a long while. We have now resumed it," its Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni said. Another dose would be provided to the children within six months, Corporation Health Officer P. Kuganantham said.

Helminth infections

According to a UNICEF report (State of the World's Children, 1998), available on the website, "helminth (worm) infections are indeed one of the most common — and neglected — of diseases, affecting more than 30 per cent of the world's people. Health, productivity and physical and mental capacity may all suffer."