With the aim of improving overall health and eliminating intestinal worm infections among children, the office of the District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO), East Jaintia Hills District today launched the National Deworming Day (NDD) 2026 at a programme held at Alpha Secondary School, Bataw, East Jaintia Hills District.
The programme was attended by District Immunization Officer (DIO), East Jaintia Hills District, Dr. (Mrs) N.P Suchiang, Medical Officer, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Khliehriat Block, Dr. I Dkhar, District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) Manager, National Health Mission (NHM), Smti. D. Passah, Principal of Alpha Secondary School, Bataw, Shri. K.S Basaiawmoit, other health officials, teachers and students.
In her speech during the programme, District Immunization Officer (DIO), East Jaintia Hills District, Dr (Mrs) N.P Suchiang highlighted to the students on the significance of National Deworming Day, which is being observed twice a year i.e. in April and October even as she emphasized the importance of consuming deworming medication, particularly for children in the age group of 1 to 19 years.
Dr Suchiang further sensitized the students about the four common types of worms that affect human health while also elaborating on the various ways these parasites enter the human body, as well as the signs and symptoms associated with such infections.
Furthermore, she elaborated on preventive measures that individuals can adopt in their daily lives to avoid infection. She underscored the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, consuming properly cooked food, drinking boiled water, and ensuring thorough washing of food items, fruits, and vegetables before consumption and cooking. She also urged the students to spread awareness among their family members and encourage them to take deworming medication in the interest of their health and well-being.
During the programme, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), Smti. W.Lakiang sensitized the students on the six steps of handwashing technique by performing a live demonstration, emphasizing the importance of hygiene in preventing infections.
It may be mentioned that a mop up round of National Deworming Day (NDD) 2026 is scheduled to be held on 21st April 2026.
