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KATHUA: A one-day awareness meeting on National Deworming Day (NDD) was held today in the DC Office Complex, here. The meeting was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma.
At the outset, Chief Medical Officer Dr Vijay Raina presented a detailed overview of the programme, highlighting the disease burden, causes, preventive measures and treatment protocols related to Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH). He informed that the campaign targets the 1â19 years age group and aims at improving nutritional status by reducing worm infestation, a major cause of anaemia and impaired growth among children.
During the meeting, it was informed that NDD shall be observed on April 13, 2026, followed by a Mop-Up Day on April 18, 2026. The programme involves administration of Albendazole tablets to all eligible children through schools and Anganwadi centres.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for robust inter-sectoral coordination among Health, Education, ICDS and allied departments to ensure the safety and well-being of target beneficiaries. He called for intensified IEC activities to enhance awareness among parents, teachers and children.
The DC directed all stakeholders to work in a coordinated manner to achieve the set targets and ensure 100 percent coverage, while maintaining strict monitoring and safety protocols. He reiterated that awareness regarding proper nutrition, hygiene and prescribed dietary practices should be widely disseminated to prevent recurrence of infections.
Earlier, the Nodal Officer NDD Dr Rupali presented the implementation schedule and preparedness plan, including adverse event management mechanisms. She emphasized that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to achieve near-universal coverage, with a target of 189689 children to be covered during this round.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of community-level engagement through morning assemblies, Parent-Teacher Meetings and the active involvement of Anganwadi Workers and ASHAs to educate children about hygiene practices and the importance of deworming. Special focus was laid on children registered under POSHAN and those studying in government and private schools.
Pertinently, deworming under NDD is part of the larger vision of Krimi Mukt Bharat, aimed at eliminating intestinal worm infections among children and adolescents. The meeting was attended by GM DIC Mushtaq Chaudhary, ASP Sunil Kumar Kesar, CEO Kewal Krishan, District Immunisation Officer, Dr Vaasna, BMOs, officers from Health, Education and ICDS departments, besides other concerned officials.
