BAGUIO CITY — Department of Health–Cordillera Administrative Region shared data on deworming services in the region on Wednesday in observance of National Deworming Month.
Dianne Aurora Delizo Medical Technologist II, DOH-CAR presented the table on deworming services for children and adults in the Cordillera as of November 2023; all were given two doses of deworming drugs. Based on the data, there were 46.7% of deworming services delivered to 12-59 months old, 10.94% for five to nine years old, and 7.17% for 10-19 years old. According to Delizo, this data is low since the target is 85% of the population.
The officer also shared the causes and modes of transmission of Soil-transmitted helminth infections to which ingesting worm eggs can be taken on contaminated food or hands and walking barefoot. In addition, worm eggs can also be inhaled and can be transmitted through poor hygiene and sanitation.
Symptoms of parasitic infection include abdominal pain or enlargement, buttocks rashes and redness, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss and poor appetite, weakness and fatigue, and blood in stool.
Parasitic worm infection may affect physical and mental development, may result in less physical activity, and academic performance, or death in severe cases.
Treatments are available through the taking of deworming drugs such as Albendazole and Mebendazole. Prevention also comes with best practices like Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene strategies including proper cooking of food, washing fruits and vegetables in safe and clean water, trimming fingernails and toenails, and keeping the surroundings clean.
To end the presentation, Delizo encouraged the public to participate in Oplan Goodbye Bulate for healthier children. By Adrian Mas