8th Round of National Deworming Day (NDD) Campaign Conducted by Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare conducted eighth round of National Deworming Day (NDD) . An objective to reduce prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) or parasitic intestinal worms so that they are no longer public health problem

National Deworming Day

Key Initiatives

  • 64% of Indian population less than 14 years are at risk of STH infections as per WHO Launched in 2015 through single fixed day approach, NDD program in this round, targets to reach 24.44 crore children & adolescents in 30 states⟋UTs, image group of 1 - 19 years.
  • Program is implemented with Ministries of Women & Child Development & Human Resource Development, where anganwadi workers & teachers administer deworming medicine to children & adolescents at anganwadis & schools.
  • ASHA workers support efforts through community mobilization & sensitization of communities about ill effects of worm infestations.
  • The success of NDD program has incrementally increased with each round as coverage has increased from 8.9 crores in Feb 2015 to 22.69 crores in last round in August 2018.
Table Showing Details of NDD Program
NDD roundCovered (in crore)
February 20158.9
February 201617.9
August 201612
February 201726
August 201722.8
February 201826.7
August 201822.7

About NDD Program

  • There will be an enhanced participation from private schools & institutions where all children 1 - 19 years old are engaged, such as technical institutes, junior colleges & others.
  • The program is cost-effective program at scale that continues to reach crores of children & adolescents with deworming benefits through safe medicine Albendazole.
  • Deworming is to reduce absenteeism in schools; improve health, nutritional, & learning outcomes for children; & increase like LaHood of higher-wage jobs later in life as per global evidence.
  • For deworming is an evidence-based, globally-accepted, & effective solution using Albendazole tablet used to control worm infections in all children, regardless of socio-economic background.
  • NDD is observed bi-annually on 10th February & 10th August in all states & UTs followed by mop-up activities.
  • This year NDD is being conducted on 8th February & mop up day on14th February.
  • NDD falls under purview of Extended Gram Swaraj Abhiyan & also committed to improving nutritional uptake in all children & adolescents & has immensely contributed to cause of Anemia Mukt Bharat & Poshan Abhiyaan, under National Nutrition Strategy, formulated by Nitti Aayog in December 2017, with vision towards anemia & malnutrition reduction by 2022.
  • Convergence of NDD with Swachh Bharat Mission is another step towards ensuring cleanliness & hygiene in our surroundings & towards prevention & control of worm infestation.
  • Awareness generation activities have also been undertaken under this program to sensitize public about harmful effects of worm infestation due to open defecation & to promote healthy habits to keep worm infections under control.
  • The preparations for event, teachers & anganwadi workers have been trained to administer tablet to children, while ASHAs & other government functionaries such as Panchayati Raj Institution members & youth volunteers are disseminating about NDD in communities towards worm free India.
  • In line with guidance from MoHFW, comprehensive adverse event protocols have been put in place.
  • Apart from being dewormed, maintaining healthy & hygienic practices will help children & communities remain safe from worm infections.
  • The MoHFW envisions an open-defecation-free India which holds capacity to reduce overall worm burden in community.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

  • The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is an Indian government ministry charged with health policy in India. It is also responsible for all government programs relating to family planning in India. Minister of Health & Family Welfare holds cabinet rank as member of Council of Ministers.
  • Founded: 1976
  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Departments: Suraksha Clinic, Department of AIDS Control, Department of Health Research
  • Officeholders: Jagat Prakash Nadda (Minister) , Anupriya Patel (Minister of State) , Faggan Singh Kulaste (Minister of State)
  • Awards: National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues, MORE

Examrace Team at Aug 20, 2021