The Jipmer Urban Health Centre (JIUHC) in Kurusukuppam distributed tablets to school students and spread awareness about maintaining personal hygiene during observance of the National Deworming Day recently.
Deworming tablets (T. albendazole, 400 mg) were given to children in the 1-19 age group studying in St. Francis Assisi high School, S.N.K.C. Boys High School, S.N.K.C. Govt. Girls Hr. Sec. School, Achariya Bala Shiksha Mandir School, Government Primary School, Calve College Hr. Sec. School and 13 Anganwadis. The initiative covered about 1,100 students from in and around five villages — Kurusukuppam, Vazhaikulam, Chinnayapuram and Vaithikuppam.
Hygienic practices
A team of healthcare professionals from JIUHC led by Dr. Kanagaratinam (SMO) along with health inspectors, nurses, medical social workers, nursing students and Anganwadi workers carried out the distribution drive.
According to Jipmer, the distribution of deworming tablets in the community was aimed at bringing down the burden of worm infestation among children to prevent anaemia and protein malnutrition.
A talk was also organised on the importance of personal hygiene and sanitation, like washing hands properly using soap and water before and after using the toilet and to avoid open defecation, in order to prevent worm infection and disease.
