Ministry of Health Launches of Nationwide Deworming Programme for Six Million Pupils
The Ministry of Health has initiated a deworming programme aimed at over six million pupils across the nation.
This significant step was inaugurated at Kanjuu Primary School in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, with Director of Medical Services Stephen Katii representing the Principal Secretary.
Katii stressed the importance of this initiative, highlighting that worm infestations negatively impact children’s nutritional status, concentration, and cognitive performance.
He explained that worms impair pupils’ ability to focus and perform cognitively, affecting their overall nutrition.
To address this, the nation must promote good hygiene practices, improve sanitation, and provide safe, locally-produced medication to support local manufacturing.
Eliminating worms is essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, and removing them makes it easier to prevent other diseases.
Programme Scope and Target Population
The programme focuses on children aged 2 to 14 years, primarily those in schools, and aims to reach a population of six million. Katii expressed confidence that this project would greatly benefit children’s health and academic performance.
The Director of Primary Education, Stephen Baroko, revealed that the Ministry of Health has thoroughly trained 28,000 teachers to facilitate the deworming process.
Baroko noted that by training teachers, it becomes easier to help children because they trust their teachers more.
He expressed gratitude to the ministry officials for their support and hoped that the targeted children would be effectively treated.
Local Challenges and Supervision
George Karoki, Kirinyaga County Executive Member for Health, pointed out local challenges such as bilharzia due to plantations in Mwea irrigation Scheme and water and sanitation issues.
He reported that 680 teachers and 84 health workers have been trained and are actively supervising the primary schools where deworming exercises are taking place.
Karoki emphasized their determination to reach the target and stated that this project would help students concentrate and improve their education.
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Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health Mawila Mungania, who attended the launch, mentioned that the programme covers sixteen counties with a high burden of worms.
The programme operates under the slogan “Kwa Afya na Elimu Bora Tuangamize Minyoo,” and Mungania praised the Ministry of Health for its support in the treatment efforts.
Ministry of Health Launches of Nationwide Deworming Programme for Six Million Pupils
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