By Kemi Olatunde

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Ondo State Government has made available 140,000 tablets of Mebendazole, to deworm both school and out-of-school children.
The gesture aimed at safeguarding the health of mostly school children in order to guarantee improved academic performance.
Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), Dr. Francis Akanbiemu disclosed this during the biannual mass deworming exercise in Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, Akure.
According to him, intestinal worm affects the target age group; 5 – 14 years, as they play a lot with soil, and share unwashed fruits among others and added that its presence in the body brings about ill health.
He warned students raising false alarm after the intake of the drug, noting that rise found wanting will be thoroughly dealt with.
Akanbiemu was represented by the acting Director, Medical Services in the Agency, Dr. Paulinus Omode.
While stating that the drug has no negative side effects, he stressed the need for them to educate other students and their parents on the need to deworm on regular basis.
While revealing that the target group is entitled to one tablet which is effective for six months after which another one should be taken, advised that parents deworm their children on regular basis of six months.
Zonal Education Officer, Akure South, Mr. Olabanji Ogundele noted that the drug has been certified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) among others to be very safe, adding that they should not entertain fear in taking it.
Ogindele who revealed that so many children have received it in the state advised that it should be chewed or swallowed with water after taking a meal.
A Scientist, NTDs department, OSPHCDA, Mr Tunji Omoniyi noted that all should be at war with worms as far as their health is concerned and added that with good hygienic practices, they can overcome worms.
He said; “with worms in your body, your blood level reduces which in turn affects your academic performance hence he need for government to put in place the programme so as to ensure that you are in good health.”
Also speaking, Program Officer, NTDs, OSPHCDA, Mrs Olufunke Ajomole stressed the need for regular hand washing, care of the nails, thorough washing of fruits as well as shunning open defecation, noting that they are some of the measures to prevent worms.