India must work relentlessly to control the spread of parasitic worms in vulnerable youth, Indian Medical Association (IMA) said as it supported the observance of National Deworming Day on February 10.
"IMA is pitching in for the implementation of this programme and has requested all its 2.5 lakh members to spread the message. This would mean individual healthcare facilities doing their bit to contribute to the stemming of worm infestation," said Dr SS Agarwal, National President of IMA.
Studies linking the impact of worm infections on literacy rates have been recently conducted in the US showing that literacy levels are lowered by 13 per cent and downward impact on earnings of 43 per cent occurs later in life.
Research in West Africa has shown mass deworming programmes in schools reduced absenteeism by 25 per cent.
"'Children in India', a 2012 report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India... Showed malnourishment across half of the national population," said Dr KK Aggarwal, Secretary General IMA.
Over 100 million children at risk of parasitic worms were covered over three days last year across schools and Anganwadi centres as children were given chewable Albendazole tablets.
This year, anti-worm Albendazole will be distributed to all children aged 1-19 years across India. Given that Albendazole is an inexpensive drug, total coverage without subsidy is a welcome step towards curbing worm infections, Aggarwal said.
