Blurb
The District Collector explained Albendazole dosing by age, assured safety, and instructed children 3–19 years to chew properly, while younger children receive crushed or half tablets
KALABURAGI
As part of National Deworming Day, the district administration has set a target to distribute Albendazole tablets to 9,98,205 children aged between 1 and 19 years across Kalaburagi district on February 10, said District Collector B. Fauzia Tarannum.
Presiding over a preparatory meeting with Health Department officials at her office, the District Collector said the tablets will be given to children in Anganwadis, schools and colleges. Of the total target, 1,64,760 children are in the age group of 1 to 5 years, while 8,33,445 children fall in the 6 to 19 age group. She said that last year the district achieved 98.50 percent coverage and stressed that officials should ensure 100 percent coverage this year.
She instructed Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and health staff to visit every Anganwadi, school and college on February 10 and ensure that no child is left out. Children who miss the tablets on that day should be covered during the mop-up round scheduled for February 16. Community Health Officers were asked to identify children who have dropped out of schools or Anganwadis and ensure they also receive the tablets, along with spreading awareness among parents.
Explaining the safety of the medicine, the District Collector said children aged 1 to 2 years will be given half a tablet, while those aged 2 to 3 years will receive one tablet crushed and mixed with water. Children aged 3 to 19 years should chew and swallow the tablet properly. She assured that Albendazole tablets are safe and there is no need for fear.
Health Department officers and staff attended the meeting, during which posters for National Deworming Day were released.
