At least 1,11,63,762 children and adolescents aged between 1 and 19 will be provided ‘albendazole’ tablets free of cost across the State on February 17, observed as the c, according to Health and Family Welfare Commissioner G. Veerapandian.
In a statement on Sunday, Mr. Veerpandian said there were 23,09,699 children below the age of five in the State. The tablet distribution programme would be conducted in coordination with the Women and Child Welfare and other departments.
“Soil-transmitted intestinal worms can make a child sick, contribute to anaemia, poor physical growth, abdominal pain, and weakness. They also lead to problems such as loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss,” Mr. Veerapandian said, citing a data, which points out that the prevalence of intestinal worm infestation in the State was up to 34%, making it a public health concern.
ANMs, ASHAs, and anganwadi staff had been trained for the tablet distribution, according to the official, and age-wise guidelines for tablet distribution were prepared and sent to the districts.
Published – January 25, 2026 11:40 pm IST
