The Abia State Government, on Tuesday evening, flagged off the In-School Deworming Programme for children in public and private schools in six selected local government areas of the state with the assurance that it will provide regular deworming treatments in Abia schools
The wife of the state governor, Mrs. Priscila Otti, said the In-School Deworming Programme is a proactive approach aimed at safeguarding the health and future of Abia children,
She said, “By providing regular deworming treatments in our schools, we are taking a significant step towards protecting our children from the harmful effects of these parasites.”
Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, the Abia first lady explained, “The In-School Deworming Programme in the State signifies our unwavering commitment to ensuring the welfare of every child who enters our school gates.”
She disclosed that the deworming initiative will be piloted in six Local Government Areas of the State including Ohafia, Bende, Ikwuano, Isialangwa South, Obingwa and Osisioma while the target number of in-school children to be dewormed is approximately sixty thousand.
She further explained, “Our decision to focus on children aged 6 to 14 years was informed by research indicating that most donor agencies typically pay more attention to children between the ages of 0 to 5 years.
“Recognizing this gap and its implications for our growing generation, the State government through the In-School Deworming Program, decided to address it to ensure that every child in Abia is dewormed ” and enjoined all stakeholders to make the programme a success.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Princes Agomuo, described the programme as a life-saving exercise and enjoined children, mothers and care givers to ensure children internalise hand washing to enhance hygiene among the children.
They commended the wife of the governor for the laudable project and assured them they would support the programme.
Earlier in her speech, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas, said the essence of the In-School Deworming Programme was to eradicate worm infestation among school age children.
She disclosed that about 35 million children between the ages of 6 and 14 are estimated to be infected with worms.
She appreciated some partners including civil society organizations, donor agencies, SMOH, CARITARS, ANRIN, SOLINA, HSCL and HOPE SPRING for their collaborations.
Speaking on behalf of the partners, Mrs. Caroline Charles said deworming can reduce the effects of the parasite on the children and commended the wife of the governor for the initiative, and assured they would continue to collaborate with government to achieve the aim of the programme.
She maintained that the aim of the exercise was to ensure that every school child is properly dewormed, and stressed the need for all to support the programme.
