Lagos State Launches Mass Deworming Program for 1.4 Million School Pupils
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, announced the launch at CMS Primary School, Bariga, stating that the exercise will run for five days, from November 21st to November 25th, 2023. The deworming initiative aims to address soil-transmitted helminth infections caused by parasitic worms, transmitted through contaminated soil in areas with poor sanitation.
AKACHI NOEL 
In a proactive effort to combat Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis, the Lagos State Government has initiated a free school-based mass deworming program. Collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and the NGO Evidence Action, the program targets 1.4 million school-aged children between five and 14 years old in 10 endemic local government areas.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, announced the launch at CMS Primary School, Bariga, stating that the exercise will run for five days, from November 21st to November 25th, 2023. The deworming initiative aims to address soil-transmitted helminth infections caused by parasitic worms, transmitted through contaminated soil in areas with poor sanitation.
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During the program, Mebendazole Tablets (500mg) will be administered to children in schools and communities across the 10 local government areas, including Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Ojo, and Shomolu.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of school-based deworming as an evidence-based strategy to treat children at risk of parasitic worm infections. Teachers and community health workers have been trained to administer the medications safely.
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The mass deworming campaign reflects the commitment of the Lagos State government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Evidence Action, towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals One and Three. The program not only addresses health concerns but also contributes to the educational growth of children by treating diseases that may disrupt their learning.
Evidence Action's Country Director, Tope Ogunbi, highlighted the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of school-based deworming programs in promoting the health and educational well-being of children. The collaboration aims to reduce the burden of poverty through evidence-based health interventions.
Parents in the targeted local government areas are encouraged to ensure their children within the specified age bracket receive the deworming treatment, as it is provided free of charge during the exercise.
