Deworming is an antihelmintic medication provided to children that expels the intestinal worms/parasites from the body.

These worms are usually found in soil and can cause Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections in children and adults.

How is STH infection transmitted?

The parasitic worms feed on tissues like intestine linings and blood for food and produce thousands of eggs in feces. Infected people defecation contaminates the soil and the infection spreads through:

Drinking contaminated water

Poor hygiene

Consumption of unwashed, unpeeled or undercooked vegetables

Children playing in contaminated soil

Infected pets

Deworming process:

WHO recommendations for de-worming include:

Preventive chemotherapy:

For children of age 2 years and above: Annual or biannual antihelmintic medications

Periodic large-scale administration of anthelmintic medicines and improvement in water supply, sanitation, and hygiene

Common side effects of deworming:

Mild side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headache due to the worms passing out through the child's body

These side effects usually subside within 24 hours after medication

Benefits of Deworming:

Allows better absorption of crucial nutrients for a healthy mind and body Reduces anemia and improves nutrition Increases growth and weight gain Improves cognition, mental and physical development of your child

How to Prevent STH infections in children: