Deworming for better health

Importance of deworming

Worms are, unfortunately, a very common and normal issue for children and adults alike. It is our responsibility to ensure that our children are free of this parasite. Deworming children improves their health.

Worms are everywhere and contaminate public areas such as schools and playgrounds. They affect more than a billion people worldwide. Small parasitic worms can cause pain, discomfort, and illness. Children infected by worms are at risk of malnutrition.

Symptoms of worm infestation

Does your child have any of the following symptoms??

✔️ General tiredness and weakness
✔️ Stomach pain, diarrhoea or vomiting
✔️ Lowered immunity
✔️ Stunted growth, delayed learning and development
✔️ Itchiness around the bottom or private part, which is usually worst at night
✔️ Redness at the bottom area

These could be signs of worm infestation – threadworms being the commonest in children.

How often should we deworm?

If your child is diagnosed with threadworms, everyone in the household should be treated as this will stop the spread of worms among family members. Unfortunately, the eggs spread easily and it is common for the infection to come back.

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends annual or bi-annual deworming for all young children from 12 months up to 12 years (some settings up to 14 years). Start heading to your nearest pharmacy to get the medication now.