Abia State Government Launches In-School Deworming Program for Children
Abia Commences Schoolchildren Deworming Initiative
Mary Nwaeze 
On Tuesday evening, the Abia State Government initiated the In-School Deworming Programme for children attending both public and private schools across six selected local government areas. The government pledges to administer regular deworming treatments in Abia schools as part of this health-focused initiative.
Mrs. Priscila Otti, the wife of the state governor, emphasized that the In-School Deworming Programme represents a proactive measure to protect the health and future of Abia's children. She stated, "By providing regular deworming treatments in our schools, we are taking a significant step towards protecting our children from the harmful effects of these parasites."
Representing the governor's wife, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu highlighted the program's commitment to the welfare of every child entering Abia's school gates. The In-School Deworming Programme will initially be implemented in six Local Government Areas, including Ohafia, Bende, Ikwuano, Isialangwa South, Obingwa, and Osisioma, targeting approximately sixty thousand in-school children for deworming.
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Mrs. Otti explained the decision to focus on children aged 6 to 14, addressing a gap in attention from donor agencies typically concentrated on younger children. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that every child in Abia undergoes deworming and urged all stakeholders to contribute to the program's success.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, praised the initiative as a life-saving exercise. They urged children, mothers, and caregivers to prioritize handwashing for enhanced hygiene. The commissioners commended the governor's wife for the commendable project and assured their support.
Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation, highlighted the program's goal of eradicating worm infestation among school-age children. She noted that an estimated 35 million children aged 6 to 14 are infected with worms and appreciated the collaboration of partners, including civil society organizations, donor agencies, and various entities.
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Mrs. Caroline Charles, speaking on behalf of the partners, emphasized the potential reduction of parasite effects through deworming and commended the governor's wife for the initiative. She pledged continued collaboration with the government to achieve the program's objectives, stressing the need for widespread support to ensure every school child undergoes proper deworming.
