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Govt has launched a nationwide targeted school deworming exercise aimed at reducing the burden of intestinal worm infections among school-going children in counties identified as high-risk areas.
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The initiative seeks to improve the health, nutrition, school attendance and academic performance of millions of learners across the country.
The government has launched a nationwide targeted school deworming exercise aimed at reducing the burden of intestinal worm infections among school-going children in counties identified as high-risk areas, including Narok and several Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) and non-ASAL regions.
The initiative, being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Education (MoE), seeks to improve the health, nutrition, school attendance and academic performance of millions of learners across the country.
Under the programme, learners in selected schools will receive free deworming medication administered under the supervision of trained health workers and teachers.
The exercise forms part of the government’s broader efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases that continue to affect children, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities.
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Education and health officials have emphasized the importance of the exercise, noting that intestinal worm infections can negatively impact children’s growth, concentration and overall learning outcomes.
By eliminating the parasites, the programme is expected to enhance learners’ well-being and create a more conducive environment for education.
Parents and guardians have been urged to support the initiative by allowing their children to participate in the exercise.
The officials have assured the public that the medication being administered is safe, effective, and recommended by health experts.
The national deworming campaign has over the years played a significant role in reducing the prevalence of worm infections among school-age children, contributing to improved attendance rates and better academic performance in affected regions.
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As the exercise gets underway, the government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the health of learners and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive in a healthy school environment.
The targeted deworming exercise is expected to run in phases across the identified counties, reaching millions of learners in both primary and secondary schools.
By Jeff Kirui
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