Telangana Launches National Deworming Day Campaign
The Minister announced that the target is to provide Albendazole tablets to 9,681,855 children aged one to 19 years across all 33 districts of the State
Hyderabad: Medical and Health Minister C Damodara Raja Narasimha on Monday stated that every child in the state aged between one and 19 years must be covered under the deworming program.
The Minister launched the statewide National Deworming Day 2026, program at the Government Primary School in Raj Bhavan. He was joined by Government Whip Addanki Dayakar and Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender.
The Minister inaugurated the program by personally administering Albendazole tablets to the children.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister announced that the target is to provide Albendazole tablets to 9,681,855 children aged one to 19 years across all 33 districts of the state.
He noted that the issue of intestinal worms impacts children's health, nutrition, and education. He explained that worm infestations can lead to problems such as anemia, malnutrition, abdominal pain, diarrhea, physical weakness, and a lack of concentration.
“Children should remain healthy and active while maintaining regularity in their studies. Deworming helps reduce related health issues and improves nutritional status, concentration, and school attendance; parents, teachers, and Anganwadi staff must ensure that not a single child misses out on taking the tablet,” the Minister said.
He noted that the program is being implemented by the Medical and Health Department in coordination with the Education Department, the Department of Women Development and Child Welfare, and other relevant departments, in accordance with Central Government guidelines.
The Minister informed that Albendazole tablets are being distributed through Anganwadi centers, government schools, government-aided schools, private schools, pre-schools, Madrasas, and junior colleges. He mentioned that children aged one to 19 who are outside the formal education system are also receiving the tablets through Anganwadi centers.
As part of this initiative, the target is to administer Albendazole tablets to 1,028,013 children aged one to 19 in Hyderabad district. The Minister directed that the tablets be administered to children according to the prescribed dosage.
He further announced that a 'mop-up day' would be held on July 20 for children who were absent, unwell, or unable to take the tablet on National Deworming Day.
Officials stated that the National Deworming Day program is conducted twice a year to address the issue of soil-transmitted helminth (worm) infections among children. They noted that these infections can spread through contaminated soil, food, and water. It was explained that deworming helps reduce anemia, malnutrition, and related health issues, thereby enabling children to lead healthier and more active lives.
