BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA

Many believe that maintaining a clean body is the key to a healthy life.

In our country, there’s a traditional belief that when a child has a big appetite but doesn’t gain weight, it’s likely they have intestinal worms.

In the past, parents used herbal remedies or boiled leaves, such as oregano, as a deworming solution.

Today, effective deworming tablets are distributed in schools, communities, and city health centers.

Did you know that this January 2025, we are celebrating National Deworming Month in the Philippines?

National Deworming Month began as a campaign by the Department of Health (DOH) to combat intestinal worms, particularly in children.

Children are the most affected by this condition because they are often outdoors playing and sometimes neglect proper handwashing.

It started in 2015 as part of the DOH’s National School-Based Deworming Program.

The program aims to help students avoid illnesses caused by intestinal worms.

Aside from January, deworming is also conducted in schools every July.

This must be done twice a year, with a six-month interval.

This celebration is significant because it addresses malnutrition and illnesses among children.

Intestinal worms affect a child’s nutrition, physical health, and academic performance.

Health workers typically provide deworming tablets, which children take in schools or barangays.

Educational sessions are also conducted to teach parents and teachers how to prevent intestinal worms in children.

The DOH advises the following:

First, ensure children have eaten before taking deworming tablets.

Second, parents and teachers should be aware of possible side effects, such as stomach pain or diarrhea, especially if a child has allergies.

And third, regular handwashing, proper food preparation, and avoiding playing in the mud are essential practices to prevent worms.