On Tuesday evening, the Abia State Government, flagged off the In-School Deworming Programme for children in public and private schools in six selected local government areas of the state with the assurance that it will provide regular deworming treatments in Abia schools
The wife of the state governor, Mrs. Priscila Otti, said the In-School Deworming Programme is a proactive approach aimed at safeguarding the health and future of Abia children,
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 will be piloted in six Local Government Areas of the State including Ohafia, Bende, Ikwuano, Isialangwa South, Obingwa and Osisioma while the target number of in-school children to be dewormed is approximately sixty thousand.
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.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Princes Agomuo, described the programme as a life-saving exercise and enjoined children, mothers and caregivers to ensure children internalize hand washing to enhance hygiene among the children.
They applauded the wife of the governor for the laudable project and assured them they would support the programme.
