The Department of Health (DOH) will conduct a massive deworming campaign in all public elementary schools nationwide on January 27.
Dr. Joanri Riveral of the DOH 7 said there will be another five-day deworming schedule for those who cannot make it on January 27.
Riveral said intestinal worms continue to be a problem among children, especially those living in communities with poor sanitation.
“Ang sintomas ini kay mag-lain ang tiyan, modako ug mang-luspad. If these parasites continue to thrive in one’s body, ang bata maluya (Its symptoms include stomach ache, swollen abdomen and paleness. If these parasites continue to thrive in one’s body, the child becomes weak),” Riveral said.
Private schools are also invited to join the event and will be asked to inform the Department of Education about their intention.
Riveral said the common adverse effects after the deworming are vomiting, nausea and stomach ache as well as worms coming out of the mouth, nose and ears. But these effects are not life-threatening and could be treated, Riveral added.
Riveral said there is no guarantee that a child who underwent deworming three to four months ago would be worm-free since the worm can thrive again.
“Importante gyud nga ang mga bata tudloan ug panghugas sa kamot (The child should be taught how to properly wash his hands),” Riveral said.
“Among i-emphasize nga kadtong Grade 6 unya nag-edad og dise-otso ug baynte (We would like to emphasize that those Grade 6 pupils aged 18 to 20) are still part of our deworming for data gathering,” Riveral said.