By David Faith Boluwatife (IT Student, Ifotech)
The Abia State Government initiated a school deworming program on Tuesday evening, targeting six local government areas.
Mrs. Priscila Otti, the first lady, emphasized the proactive nature of the In-School Deworming Program, aiming to safeguard the health and future of Abia’s children.
Mrs. Otti explained that the program would initially focus on six local government areas, aiming to deworm approximately 60,000 children aged 6 to 14.
Stressing the importance of this age group, she highlighted the program’s goal to address health issues caused by parasites, such as poor health, malnutrition, learning difficulties, poor work performance, and anemia.
The commissioner for education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, and health commissioner Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo praised the initiative as a lifesaving endeavor.
They urged children, mothers, and caregivers to promote hygiene through handwashing. Expressing gratitude to the governor’s wife, they pledged support for the program.
Mrs. Thomas, representing the program, cited the prevalence of worm infections in 6 to 14-year-olds, emphasizing the necessity of the In-School Deworming Program.
Acknowledging collaboration with civil society organizations, donor agencies, and others, she detailed the program’s scope, providing free deworming medication and education to children and caregivers.
Mrs. Caroline Charles, speaking for the partners, commended the program’s potential to mitigate the negative impact of parasites on children.
She pledged ongoing collaboration and urged stakeholders to support the program’s objectives.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Thomas expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and traditional rulers, urging them to ensure the deworming of all children in their domains for improved health and well-being.
