Personnel from the City Health Office (CHO) intensify deworming campaign through household and school-based strategies to reach the 85% target coverage.

The deworming campaign is a nationwide activity spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH) through the Harmonized Schedule and Combined Mass Drug Administration (HSCMDA) through Community and School Base Approach for Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) or ‘bulate’ starting January, observed as the National Deworming Month, with the aim of curbing the high incidence of intestinal worm infection.

The campaign targets eligible children and adolescents ages 1-19 years old. Under the program, DOH provides deworming pills such as albendazole or mebendazole, both readily available at DOH and government health facilities.

Health authorities emphasize that worms can adversely affect health and nutrition, leading to decreased physical and mental activity and, in severe cases, even death.

Parents and guardians are urged to have their children dewormed stressing that deworming tablets are safe, effective and are free for the public to avail of.

As of February 12, 2024, Zamboanga Peninsula has not yet achieved the national target of at least 85% coverage in some barangays, municipalities and cities to include Zamboanga City, according to DOH-9. (Sheila Covarrubias)