Hyderabad: Telangana Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha on Monday launched the statewide distribution of Albendazole tablets to nearly 96.82 lakh children and adolescents aged between 1 and 19 years as part of the National Deworming Programme.
The programme was inaugurated at the Raj Bhavan Government High School in Hyderabad, where the minister distributed tablets to students. The campaign is being conducted across government and private schools, junior colleges, and Anganwadi centres throughout the state.
Addressing the gathering, the minister urged parents to ensure that all eligible children receive the Albendazole tablet. He said intestinal worm infections can lead to Snaemia, Malnutrition, Stunted growth, Weight loss and Poor concentration, affecting children’s health and academic performance.
He explained that regular deworming helps improve Nutrient absorption, Boosts immunity, Supports healthy growth and Enhances children’s ability to learn.
Damodar Rajanarsimha also stressed that the programme is not limited to tablet distribution. Health officials have been directed to create awareness among children and parents about maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, washing hands with soap, using safe drinking water and properly washing fruits and vegetables to prevent worm infections.
The Health Department is implementing the campaign in coordination with the Education Department and the Women and Child Welfare Department.
Officials said children who miss the tablet during the main campaign will have another opportunity to receive it during a mop-up round on July 20.
The launch event was attended by MLA Danam Nagender, MLC Addanki Dayakar, Principal Secretary of Health Dr. Christina Z. Chongthu, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Sangeeta Satyanarayana, Hyderabad DMHO Dr. P. Srinivas and other officials.
