The Abia State Government has commenced the In-School Deworming Programme targeting children attending both public and private schools across six specific local government areas.
The initiative guarantees consistent deworming treatments within Abia schools, as stated by the wife of the state governor,Mrs. Priscila Otti.
She emphasized that this proactive initiative is geared towards ensuring the health and securing the future of children in Abia.
She said, “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.”
Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, the Abia first lady explained, “The In-School Deworming Programme in the State signifies our unwavering commitment to ensuring the welfare of every child who enters our school gates.”
She revealed that the deworming initiative’s pilot phase will encompass six Local Government Areas within the State: Ohafia, Bende, Ikwuano, Isialangwa South, Obingwa, and Osisioma. The program aims to deworm approximately sixty thousand children attending schools in these areas.
She further explained, “Our decision to focus on children aged 6 to 14 years was informed by research indicating that most donor agencies typically pay more attention to children between the ages of 0 to 5 years.
“Recognizing this gap and its implications for our growing generation, the State government through the In-School Deworming Program, decided to address it to ensure that every child in Abia is dewormed ” and enjoined all stakeholders to make the programme a success.
