The City Health Office (CHO), through its Nutrition Division along with the National Nutrition Council-Davao Region and in partnership with the Department of Health-Davao Center for Health Development (DOH-DCHD), conducted a deworming and Vitamin A supplementation activity for the Indigenous People (IP) of Sitio Namnam in Barangay Marilog Proper.
The activity was held on January 31 as part of the Nutrition Division’s campaign on deworming among children ages 1 to 12 years old.
According to the CHO, the activity aims to eliminate intestinal parasitism in children that can cause malnutrition.
Nutrition Division Head, Elizabeth Banzon, explained that parasitic worms can be transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food and drinks, poor hygiene and sanitation, and direct contact with surfaces contaminated by the eggs and larva of parasites.
During the start of the National Deworming Month in January, the CHO has emphasized the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation such as proper handwashing, safe and clean food preparations, and other proper hygiene practices to prevent parasitic infections.
The CHO also reiterated the importance of regular deworming among children as this will help improve their health, facilitate fast absorption of nutrients, and strengthen the immune system of children.
The CHO, along with other agencies, is strengthening its efforts to inform Dabawenyos of the risks of parasitic infection and the importance of regular deworming.
Parents are urged to deworm their kids twice a year.
For further information on the deworming services of the CHO, Dabawenyos may coordinate with their respective Barangay Health Centers. CIO
