By Oluwatosin Maliki
Abia State Government announced on Tuesday evening, the commencement of In-School Deworming Programme for school children in both public and private schools in six selected local government areas of the state, while also promising to provide regular deworming treatments in Abia schools.
According to the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Priscila Otti, the In-School Deworming Programme is a proactive approach aimed at safeguarding the health and future of Abia children.
She stated, “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.”
The wife of the governor who was represented by 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.”
Furthermore, she revealed that the deworming initiative will take place in six Local Government Areas of the State including; Ohafia, Bende, Ikwuano, Isialangwa South, Obingwa and Osisioma. The targeted number of in-school children to be dewormed is estimated to be sixty thousand.
She further noted that “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”.
Also the State government having recognized this gap and its implications for the growing generation through the In-School Deworming Programme, decided to address it to ensure that every child in Abia is dewormed.
She therefore enjoined all stakeholders to endeavour to make the programme a success.
Meanwhile, 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, while speaking, described the programme as a life-saving exercise and urged children, mothers and care givers to ensure children learn and internalise the hand washing technique to further enhance hygiene among the children.
They praised the wife of the governor for the commendable project, equally assuring them that 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 major purpose of the In-School Deworming Programme was to eradicate worm infestation among school age children.
Mrs Ifeoma further disclosed that about 35 million children between the ages of 6 and 14 are estimated to be infected with worms.
Similarly, she appreciated some partners including; civil society organizations, donor agencies, SMOH, CARITARS, ANRIN, SOLINA, HSCL and HOPE SPRING for their collaborations.
Mrs. Caroline Charles who spoke on behalf of the partners said deworming can reduce the effects of the parasite in children, as she applauded the wife of the governor for the initiative, and assured they would continue to collaborate with government to achieve the aim of the programme.
In addition, she maintained that the aim of the exercise was to ensure that every school child is properly dewormed, and emphasized the need for all to support the programme.