Pakistan Battles Intestinal Worms in Children

APP

Islamabad: Zoraiz Riaz, Assistant Chief of the Health Ministry of Planning & Development, stated on Tuesday that children in Pakistan are suffering from intestinal worms due to inadequate sanitation and hygiene.

Speaking to a private news channel, Riaz explained that these worms are parasites that reside in human intestines, consuming nutrients intended for the body. This results in blood loss, poor nutrition, and stunted growth.

He noted that the government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), is addressing this issue nationwide. The Pakistan Deworming Initiative (PDI), led by the Ministries of Planning, Education, and Health alongside provincial health and education departments, is central to this effort.

According to a 2016-2017 survey, approximately 17 million school-aged children in 47 districts of Pakistan are at risk of intestinal worm infections and require annual treatment. To date, the PDI has dewormed over 25 million children.

The initiative employs two primary models: the teacher-based approach and the health worker model. In the teacher-based model, teachers conduct regular awareness sessions and administer deworming medicine to children with parental consent. In the health worker model, healthcare workers go door-to-door to deliver preventive medicine directly to children.

Riaz emphasized that the government is committed to tackling this health issue and improving the lives of children across the country.