Worm Infestations: Threat To Children's Health, Education; Hygiene Key To Prevention - Dr Ayuk
By Ebi COLLINS
The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk, has described worm infections as a serious threat to the health and education of children with the admonition on parents to observe strict home hygiene to prevent its prevalence.
The Commissioner made this known while speaking at the flag-off of school based mass deworming programme in the State, held recently at Government Primary School Atekong, Calabar, pointing out that "Most transmission comes through the soil; so infection rates can be lowered by ensuring clean environments and preventing open defecation".
He called on development partners to escalate their intervention to schools so as to benefit children.
Dr. Comfort Oko Representative of the first lady
Flagging-off the campaign, Wife of the Governor, Rev. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Otu, who was represented by her Special Adviser, Dr Comfort Oko assured of her determination to partner with schools to cater for the health needs of children.
The First Lady thanked Evidence Action, the organisation that is supporting the programme in the state, saying such a intervention is contributing in no small measure to the health of Cross River children.
Dr. Egbe Ayuk - Commissioner for Health
The event climaxed with the administration of Mebendazole, an anthelmintic (a drug capable of expelling or destroying parasitic worms especially of the intestine).
