Kenya will launch the 12th round of the National School-Based Deworming Campaign on 4th July, 2024. The initiative aims to improve the health and learning abilities of children by targeting parasitic infections that hinder their well-being and educational performance.
The campaign is set to reach six million children across 16 high-risk counties, including Kirinyaga, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nyamira, Siaya, Bomet, Kericho, Nandi, Narok, Trans-Nzoia, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, and Vihiga. These regions have been identified as having a high prevalence of parasitic infections among school-aged children, necessitating concerted efforts to address the issue.
By administering deworming medication, the program seeks to reduce the incidence of parasitic worms, which can cause malnutrition, anemia, and impaired cognitive development. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education emphasize that the health benefits of deworming extend beyond physical well-being, as healthier children are better able to attend school regularly and engage more effectively in their studies.
This year’s campaign builds on the success of previous rounds, which have seen significant reductions in infection rates and improvements in school attendance and performance. Health and education officials will work closely with school administrators and local health workers to ensure the safe and efficient distribution of the medication.
Parents and guardians in the targeted counties are encouraged to support the campaign by ensuring their children participate in the deworming exercise.
