Gandhinagar, Aug 11: Gujarat has launched a statewide deworming campaign targeting 1.84 crore children and adolescents up to 19 years of age, aiming to reduce intestinal worm infections and protect the health, nutrition and development of young people.
The campaign is being implemented as part of the National Deworming Day programme, with deworming tablets being provided to children through schools and other community platforms. The state-level programme was launched at a government primary school in Gandhinagar, where Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya distributed tablets to students.
Intestinal worm infections are common among children and can spread through contaminated soil, food and water. If left untreated, infections can contribute to nutritional problems, weakness and anaemia and may affect children's growth, concentration and ability to participate fully in school and daily activities.
The statewide campaign is therefore aimed not only at treating existing infections but also at improving children's overall health and well-being. By reaching a large number of children at the same time, the programme seeks to reduce the overall burden of worm infections in communities.
For families, the campaign provides an opportunity for children to receive preventive treatment through schools and community health networks, including those who may not regularly visit healthcare facilities.
Health officials have also stressed that medicine alone cannot prevent reinfection. Regular handwashing, use of toilets, safe drinking water, proper sanitation and clean food practices remain important to keeping children protected.
The campaign is expected to have a wider impact beyond immediate treatment. Healthier children are more likely to attend school regularly, remain active and maintain better nutritional status, supporting their physical and cognitive development.
With 1.84 crore children and adolescents covered under the initiative, Gujarat's deworming drive represents one of the state's large-scale public health interventions focused on protecting children and strengthening preventive healthcare.
The initiative also reinforces the importance of combining medical treatment with better hygiene and sanitation habits to build a healthier environment for children across the state.