Odisha launches National Deworming Day for 1.6 crore children and 19 lakh women

The Government of Odisha, through its Department of Health and Family Welfare, is rolling out the National Deworming Day (NDD) programme on 10 August, in partnership with UNICEF. Albendazole tablets will be given to more than 1.61 crore children aged 1‑19 years and over 19 lakh women of reproductive age across all 30 districts. A mop‑up round is scheduled for 17 August to reach those who miss the first dose. The campaign is combined with the biannual Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) programme, which will cover about 32 lakh children aged 9‑60 months to boost immunity and reduce child mortality. Teachers, Anganwadi workers and ASHAs will administer the medicines in schools, Anganwadi centres and private institutions. Dr. Aditya Mohapatra, Additional Director of Child Health, said the initiative will prevent intestinal worm infections, improve nutrient absorption and reduce anaemia among children and adolescents. UNICEF nutrition specialist Sourav Bhattacharjee highlighted the benefit of delivering deworming and Vitamin A together in a single visit.