Under the National Adolescent Health Programme, children across Uttar Pradesh will be administered Albendazole tablets on National Deworming Day on February 10 to protect them from intestinal worms. Children who miss the dose on that day will be covered during a mop-up round on February 13, officials said.
Dr Satish Kumar Gautam, General Manager of the National Adolescent Health Programme, said the campaign aims to cover around 9.8 crore children aged between one and 19 years in the state. The deworming drive is conducted twice a year, in February and August, with the Health, ICDS and Education departments jointly implementing the programme.
However, National Deworming Day will not be held in 64 selected blocks, urban areas and planning units across 21 districts, where Albendazole will already be administered under the Mass Drug Administration (IDA) campaign of the National Filaria Eradication Programme.
Albendazole tablets will be distributed through government, government-aided and private schools, as well as Anganwadi centres. Children who are not enrolled in schools will receive the medication at Anganwadi centres. Teachers and health workers will ensure that children consume the tablets in their presence and that the medication is not taken on an empty stomach.
All activities related to National Deworming Day will be monitored in real time, with schools required to upload details on the e-Kavach portal. Officials said some children may experience mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness or vomiting after taking the tablet. In case of any serious or unusual symptoms, parents have been advised to contact an ASHA or ANM worker, visit the nearest health centre, or call the 104 health helpline or 108 ambulance service.