CHO Nutrition Division Head Elizabeth Banzon said that for the entire month, they aim to cater to all 1 ½ to 19-year-old individuals both in the community and in schools.
“The deworming activity is ongoing in the community, simultaneously in all 182 barangays,” Banzon said in a report from the City Information Office.
Of the 400,000-500,000 target, about 127,000 are one-year-old and one-half to four-year-old while 139,000 are five to nine years old.
She said they are hoping to cover the target population this month. Those who cannot be catered will be dewormed next month.
She said deworming is a must because parasites may cause bodily weakness, anemia, low concentration levels while studying in schools, slow growth for children, and malnourishment.
“These [worms] should be removed for a healthier body. We are encouraging our parents to have their children dewormed,”she said.
According to Banzon deworming is advised to be done every six months or twice a year - in January and July.
The medicine for deworming is free and is approved by the CHO. Parents may ask for consultation from private doctors on the safety of the medicine. Those who have questions about the medicine used can go to the nearest health centers.
Banzon said that frequent handwashing is among the measures that should be practiced all year round to avoid being infected with soil-based parasites. Fruits and vegetables should also be washed well. Wearing slippers is always advised.
Apart from deworming, Operation Timbang for children also started this month and will end in March to detect malnourished children for them to be given intervention.
CHO also continues to distribute Vitamin A, Iron supplements, and other medicines for free to children to combat malnutrition.