16 April: In a major push towards improving child health, Kathua district has covered over 1.47 lakh children under the ongoing National Deworming Day campaign, marking nearly 70 percent achievement of its 1.90 lakh target.
The campaign, being conducted from April 13 to 18, is aimed at eliminating intestinal worm infections among children, a major health concern that can lead to anaemia, malnutrition, and impaired physical and cognitive development.
Health officials stated that the drive is being implemented across schools and Anganwadi centres, ensuring maximum outreach among children aged 1 to 19 years. Trained health workers and teachers are administering deworming medication while also educating children and parents about hygiene practices.
The initiative is part of a nationwide effort supported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to improve child nutrition and overall well-being. Officials emphasized that regular deworming plays a crucial role in reducing health risks and boosting immunity among children.
“Worm infections often go unnoticed but can significantly impact a child’s growth and learning capacity. This campaign ensures timely intervention and prevention,” an official said.
Special focus is being given to remote and hard-to-reach areas of the district, where dedicated teams are working tirelessly to ensure no child is left behind. Mobile health units and outreach programmes have been deployed to improve accessibility and coverage.
Authorities highlighted that achieving 100 percent coverage remains a top priority. Continuous monitoring and follow-up visits are being conducted to track progress and address any gaps in implementation.
In addition to administering medicines, awareness campaigns are being carried out to educate communities about the importance of sanitation, clean drinking water, and personal hygiene in preventing reinfection.
Parents and local communities have shown encouraging participation, supporting health workers in reaching children and ensuring compliance with the treatment. Officials believe that such collaborative efforts are key to the success of the campaign.
The ongoing drive reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening public health systems and safeguarding the future of children. With sustained efforts over the coming days, Kathua district is expected to achieve full coverage under the campaign.