The Meru County government has in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a four-day mass deworming programme in Igembe South sub-county to combat worms.
Speaking to KNA, Igembe South Deputy Public Health Officer Allan Njiru maintained that the exercise which began on Thursday would ensure that every individual in the region benefits from the programme.
“We will ensure that everyone is included in the exercise including the street children who are at a high risk of getting infections such as intestinal worms due to the kind of foods they eat,” he said.
Njiru maintained that with the help of community health promoters, they would administer the drugs to all institutions of learning, churches, market places and all public gatherings.
The health officer noted that the drugs being administered were vermox, a drug used for treating intestinal worms and vitamin A for children below five years to boost their immunity.
He also urged the pupils and the community at large to be at forefront in practicing proper sanitation and hygiene to minimize infections associated with poor hygiene.
Njiru further called on residents to take the drug for their wellbeing.
The joyous residents lauded the county government for the move to eliminate diseases associated with poor hygiene and receiving health education adding that the programme would boost their long ignored wellbeing.
“Since 2020, I have never thought of deworming due to ignorance but today, I am happy for the county government’s move of ensuring good health for all,” said Ken Mwenda, a boda boda rider.
By Kamanja Maeria and Edith Mwendwa
