THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region officially launched its School-Based Deworming Activity for 100 grade school learners of Pagudpud Integrated School in San Fenando City, La Union on July 31, reaffirming its commitment to protecting children from soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections and helping them stay healthy, active, and ready to learn.
The activity gathered officials from the DOH, Department of Education, Provincial Health Office, City Health Office of San Fernando City, teachers, parents, health workers, and learners in a united effort to promote child health through regular deworming and healthy hygiene practices.
Regional Director Helen D. Tobias emphasized that deworming is one of the simplest yet most effective investments in a child’s future.
“Healthy children learn better. School-based deworming protects our learners from intestinal worm infections that can affect their nutrition, growth, and academic performance. It is a safe, proven, and cost-effective intervention that gives every child a better opportunity to reach their full potential. We call on parents, schools, local government units, and communities to continue supporting this life-changing initiative.”
The activity forms part of the DOH’s Integrated Helminth Control Program, which provides safe and WHO-recommended deworming medicine to eligible children. Regular deworming helps prevent malnutrition, anemia, poor growth, and learning difficulties associated with intestinal worm infections.
Beyond deworming, DOH continues to promote the W.O.R.M.S. campaign to prevent reinfection:
W – Wash hands with soap.
O – Observe proper toilet use and sanitation.
R – Reduce exposure to unsafe food.
M – Mass deworming (Magpapurga).
S – Slippers or shoes should always be worn.
Officer-in-Charge of the Local Health Support Division Rheuel C. Bobis said that lasting protection requires both treatment and healthy habits.
“Deworming is most effective when families and communities practice good hygiene every day. Through the W.O.R.M.S. campaign, we encourage everyone to work together in preventing worm infections so our children can grow healthier, perform better in school, and achieve their full potential.”
The Department likewise assured parents that Albendazole, the medicine used during the campaign, has been safely administered in the country’s public health programs for decades and remains a safe and effective way to protect children against intestinal worm infections.
The successful launch at Pagudpud Integrated School highlights the strong partnership among the DOH, DepEd, local government units, schools, health workers, and parents in building healthier schools and healthier communities across the Ilocos Region.
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