The Ogun Government says it will soon begin a de-worming exercise for no fewer than 500,000 children between the ages of five and 14 across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, who made the disclosure at a public function in Abeokuta on Tuesday, added that the exercise would cover 11 local governments.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was the Agenda for Social Mobilisation Meeting, organised by the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with Evidence Action.
Ipaye, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Nafiu Aigoro, said the programme would commence on March 14.
He described worms as parasites that thrive on nutrition from the human intestine, which according to him, leading to anaemia, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and blood in stool.
In view of this, he stressed the need for quick intervention through the de-worming exercise, to ensure that the children in the state were healthy.
The commissioner noted that the first phase of the exercise taking place in the selected LGAs was due to the high rate of the parasites in such areas.
Ipaye hinted that the second phase would commence before the end of the year.
He urged parents and guardians to take advantage of the exercise to de-worm their children and wards.
He added that the drugs would be administered to the children free of charge.
“Parents are to ensure they bring out their children and wards to benefit in this de-worming exercise.
‘‘It is for our children’s overall good and well-being. And don’t forget, it is free,” he said.
The Programme Manager, Evidence Action, South West Zone, Mr Femi Adepoju, said the group would assist in the training of teachers and health workers who would partake in the exercise.
He enjoined parents to embrace the exercise saying “It is aimed at ensuring a better life for our children.”
