LAGAWE, Ifugao (PIA) – Health authorities say the presence of worms in the stomach is a problem that many children face, which can affect their health and nutrition and growth.
One of the initiatives of the Department of Health to address this concern is deworming.
The Ifugao Provincial Health Office (PHO) recently turned over to the Department of Education-Ifugao and rural health units across the province albendazole tablets for the deworming toddlers aged 1 to 4 years, children aged 5 to 9 years, and adolescents aged 10 to 19 years.
Amelia Kimayong of the PHO said the tablets were provided by the DOH-Cordillera, the PHO, and the Vitamin Angel, a public health nonprofit organization.
With the province’s total population of 221,672 individuals aged 1 to 19 years, schoolchildren who are categorized as wasted or severely wasted will be prioritized, she said.
Kimayong highlighted the significant health risks posed by the parasitic worms like malnutrition, anemia, and impaired growth particularly in children. She explained that these parasitic worms are primarily transmitted through contaminated soil, food, or water.
Worm eggs can be ingested by eating improperly washed, peeled, or cooked vegetables, drinking contaminated water, or through children playing in soil and putting unwashed hands in their mouths.
Hookworm larvae, which hatch in the soil, can actively penetrate the skin, often infecting individuals who walk barefoot on contaminated ground.
Unclean hands, utensils, uncovered food exposed to flies, and unsafe drinking water also contribute to the spread of these parasitic worms.
Kimayong reminded the public to seriously practice preventive measures to avoid Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections, commonly known as parasitic infections caused by intestinal worms.
These preventive measures include the proper use of sanitary toilets, washing hands before eating and after using the toilet, wearing slippers or shoes outdoors, practicing hygienic food preparation, drinking safe water, and clipping fingernails regularly.
She reminded the community to prioritize good hygiene practices, wearing shoes outdoors, and ensuring regular deworming to promote better health outcomes. Deworming is recommended every six months.
Healthy habits and regular deworming are essential for worm-free children and a brighter future, she emphasized during the Hummangan with PIA radio program on Radyo Kiphodan 99.1 FM. (JDP/FBR-PIA CAR,Ifugao)
