Deworming Campaign for a Healthy Nation
In Bangladesh, prevalence of soil transmitted helminth (STH) infection is 12% among children (DGHS, Bulletin 2018). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic worm infections have been linked to stunted growth, retarded intellectual development, attention deficit and learning disabilities of children coupled with chronic internal bleeding leading to anemia, intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, vomiting and mal-absorption of nutrients.
In order to reduce the STH infection burden and promote deworming tablet-Vermicid (Albendazole 400 mg), a nationwide campaign was conducted on November 19-20, 2022. The purpose of the campaign was to increase awareness on SMC Vermicid and expand outlet coverage to make the product more accessible. It was a joint effort of program and sales forces. During the two-day long campaign, 2.2 million Vermicid tablets were sold covering 9,552 outlets.
