National Deworming Day 2025 - Why Is It Important For Your Child?

Does your child often complain of stomach ache? Don’t let this be the reason to make him/her skip school. This February, the Government of India is celebrating National Deworming Day. Having launched the initiative in 2015, the Government of India has made this the single largest public health initiative in India. Observed in the month of February, the main objective of this day is to deworm children aged between 1 to 19 years of age, at schools and anganwadi centres. The Ministry has also decided to give deworming vaccines and tablets to children of private schools.

According to National Health Mission, "the National Deworming Day is conducted in all states/UTs in 2 rounds – 1st round on February 10 followed by 2nd round on 10 August every year".

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What Is National Deworming Day?

National Deworming Day is an initiative by the Government of India that aims to eliminate worm infestation in children. According to WHO, India is leading in cases of Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) in the world, with 220 million children aged between 1 to 14 years of age estimated to be at risk of worm infections. Approximately 7 in 10 children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years are anaemic, with the rates of anaemia being higher in rural areas. In order to combat this, the Government of India launched National Deworming Day to deworm all children aged 1-19 years of age.

What Is Soil-Transmitted Helminths(STHS)

As per WHO, Soil-Transmitted Helminths(STHS), also known as parasitic worms are amongst the most common infections throughout the world. It resides in human intestines and consumes nutrients meant for the human body. Producing thousands of eggs every day, they are passed through faeces and spread widely in areas, which lack proper sanitation facilities.

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State-Wise Deworming Vaccination Dates Schedule 2025

While the National Deworming Day schedule is to be followed by all states, some states may have specific strategies for implementation or multiple rounds based on their assessment of local health. Here is the state-wise schedule for National Deworming Day 2025 as given below to prevent chances of malnourishment, anaemia and insufficiency in the child’s overall growth. Parents from Bangalore, Hyderbad, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Patna, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune etc. should check their state-specific schedule.

Signs & Symptoms Of Intestinal Worm Infection

Stomach ache could be the first sign of intestinal worm infection. Infections transmitted from worms in the soil, referred to as Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) are commonly found in areas that lack proper sanitation. The symptoms begin with stomach ache, which soon leads to malnourishment, anaemia and insufficiency in the child’s overall growth and also affects cognitive development. Hence, The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, first launched the National Deworming Day in February to combat worm infestation among children.

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Significance Of Deworming Children

Worm infection can lead to malnourishment, anaemia, impaired mental and physical development, and can also cause a serious threat to the affected child’s education and productivity. According to the studies, children affected with worm infections find it tough to put up with their daily activities and are unable to cope up with their education. This is the main reason why the Government of India has taken up this initiative to deworm children all over the country.

Side Effects Of Deworming Tablets

Children between the ages of 1 to 2 years of age are given half a tablet of Albendazole (400 mg), while children above the 2 years of age are given 1 full tablet of Albendazole (400mg). These chewable tablets are very safe and seem to have minimum side effects. The side effects can include mild nausea or diarrhoea, which will pass quickly and the child will feel better soon.

In order to prevent your child from contracting any worm infection, make sure you maintain proper hygiene in your house and surroundings and also teach your child self care methods such as washing hands before eating a meal and so on. Common health issues such as stomach ache or nausea shouldn’t be ignored and you must seek medical intervention on an immediate basis.

How To Protect Children From Worm Infection?

1. Ensure your child washes their hands before and after meals and after using the toilet.
2. Fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly before comsuming.
3. Avoid letting your child walk barefoot in contaminated areas.
4. Never let your child dring tap water. Always give them filtered or boiled water drinking water.
5. Schedule deworming for your child every 6 months.

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