The NTD unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Health will launch a mass school-based deworming campaign from May 20 to May 24, 2024. This campaign seeks to tackle Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis infections in school-age children by emphasizing hygiene. The initiative underscores the significance of sanitation and hygiene practices in combating Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis infections among children. Through this campaign, the Lagos State Ministry of Health aims to mitigate the spread of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis infections among school-age children.
High Prevalence of Infections Among Children
NTD highlighted that over 48 million school-age children in Nigeria need treatment for Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis, largely due to poor sanitation and hygiene conditions. These infections are most prevalent among school-age children, who are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of these parasitic worms.
Targeting Over 1.4 Million Children
The campaign will target more than 1.4 million school-age children, including those enrolled in both private and public schools, as well as out-of-school children. This extensive effort aims to ensure comprehensive coverage and effective treatment across the state.
Collaborative Implementation
Implemented by the Neglected Tropical Disease programme of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the campaign is in partnership with the State Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education and the Federal Ministry of Health. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of coordinated efforts in tackling public health challenges.
Addressing Health and Educational Outcomes
During an interactive stakeholders’ meeting with journalists, NTD Coordinator Mrs. Roseline Dawodu emphasized the severe consequences of untreated Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis. She explained that the infection could lead to anemia, malnourishment, and physical impairment, ultimately compromising a child’s educational outcomes and future income.
Extensive Community Involvement
Moreover, over 3,000 trained community health workers and teachers will distribute Mebendazole tablets to prevent soil-transmitted helminthiasis. The initiative aims to address the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in 10 high-burden Local Government Areas. Since 2021, Evidence Action has been instrumental in providing technical support to federal and Lagos State Governments.
Media Engagement and Public Awareness
Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, explained that the meeting aimed to enhance media knowledge and understanding of the deworming programme. The goal is to foster a collaborative relationship with journalists to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information. Evidence Action’s Senior Program Manager, Maryann Edeh, representing Country Director Tope Ogunbi, emphasized the safety and availability of the medicines, urging parents to allow their children to participate.
Promoting Child Health and Education
Moreover, Hazmat Omolaja, Director of Social Mobilisation at the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, stressed the importance of parental cooperation. He stated that deworming is crucial for children’s health, which in turn enhances their learning outcomes. Ensuring children take the deworming drug helps them stay healthy and attentive in class, ultimately benefiting their educational performance.
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