Minister for primary and mass education Afsarul Ameen opened the nationwide campaign by administrating a tablet to a child and urged the schoolteachers and guardians to help in making the campaign successful.
At least 20 million school going children between the ages of 5 to 12 will be administered with the de-worming tablet free of cost.
The government has started the campaign, held twice a year, in Nov 2008 after a survey indicated that 80 percent of school going children suffer worm infections, triggering malnutrition.
"De-worming tablets are safe to consume and the campaign is important to keep all children worm-free," Be-Nazir Ahmed, director (disease control) of the Directorate General of Health Services said.
"But reports of falling ill after taking the tablet hampers the campaign," he said, adding they would introduce 'little doctors' in schools this time.
"Some 15 students of class five will be picked up to motivate their classmates before the campaign," he explained and that 'if they (the students) knew earlier about the tablet and its need, they would not feel any discomfort.'
"They feel discomfort in taking the tablet particularly in an empty stomach. Someone might feel immediate pain in empty stomach. And a single incident can trigger mass-illness in schools."
The director urged all not to panic as de-worming was very important for students to remain healthy.
"Worms can cause severe malnutrition in children."
However, the primary and mass education minister urged the health authorities to be a part of the mothers' gatherings at schools in a bid to create health and hygiene awareness.
Director general for health Khondaker Md Shefayet Ullah said they would take steps in this regard.
Source: bdnews24.com
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