The National School-Based Deworming Programme in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and MoH has launched a two-day programme targeting to deworm children aged 2-14.
The programme will run from today (September 14) to the 16th of this month.
Its main objective is to reach at least four million children across 14 counties.
The Ministry of Education has pointed out the importance of the process through a statement.
“Worm infections, if left untreated, interfere with nutrient intake and can lead to anaemia, malnourishment and impaired mental and physical development.”
This year’s deworming day activities will be observed and flagged off by Education Principal Secretary Julius Jwan and Health Director-General Patrick Amoth.
The counties targeted include Narok, Nyamira, Kisii, Migori, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, and Taita Taveta.
“The program is implemented at the county level with both County Director of Education and health leading the activities from county level down to each school providing treatment,” the MoH statement read.
Meanwhile, this is the second deworming exercise to take place in the country.
In March, at least seven counties in Western Kenya had 2.6 million children dewormed.
The programme has been up for two years.
It aims to treat at least six million children every year in areas at risk of worm infection.
“Rigorous research, conducted in Kenya, shows that receiving deworming treatment can improve children’s cognition, physical development, and school attendance.”
The treatment is free, safe, effective, and highly recommended by the World Health Organization.
By Everlyne Bosibori
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