The Ministry of Health official has launched a deworming programme targeting over six million pupils across the country.
The official launched was at Kanjuu Primary School in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County presided over by the Director Medical Services Stephen Katii on behalf of the Principal Secretary.
Katii emphasized the critical need for this initiative, stating that worms adversely affected children’s nutritional status, concentration, and cognitive performance.
“Worms impair the concentration and cognitive performance of pupils, affecting their overall nutrition status. As a nation, we must initiate good hygiene practices, improve sanitation, and provide safe, locally-produced medication to support local manufacturing. Eliminating worms is part of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, and when you eliminate worms in a population, it becomes much easier to prevent other diseases,” Katii said.
The programme targets children aged 2 to 14 years, particularly those in schools, aiming to reach a population of six million.
Katii highlighted the importance of this step, expressing confidence that the project would significantly benefit the children’s health and academic performance.
The Director of Primary Education Stephen Baroko revealed that 28,000 teachers have been thoroughly trained by the Ministry of Health to facilitate the deworming process.
“By training the teachers, it’s easier to help the children because they trust their teachers more. We thank the ministry officials for their support and hope that the targeted children will be effectively treated,” Baroko said.
George Karoki, Kirinyaga County Executive Member for Health, pointed out the local challenges posed by bilharzia due to plantations in Mwea irrigation Scheme and issues with water and sanitation.
He reported that 680 teachers and 84 health workers have been trained and were actively supervising the primary schools where the deworming exercises are taking place.
“We are determined to reach our target. With this project, students will be able to concentrate and improve their education,” Karoki stated.
The Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health Mawila Mungania, who attended the launch said the programme covers sixteen counties with a high burden of worms under slogan, “Kwa Afya na Elimu Bora Tuangamize Minyoo,” and praised the Ministry of Health for its support in the treatment efforts.
This extensive deworming initiative represents a significant step towards improving the health and educational outcomes for millions of children across the country.
By Mutai Kipngetich
