Groups deworm 425 children, 50 adults in Osun
A Non Governmental Organisation, Ayofe Health Awareness Initiative in conjunction with Medicare Trust Foundation have engaged in free massive deworming exercise of children and adults in Bode Osi town in Osun State.
The groups also embarked on awareness program on the importance of deworming children through a programme themed: ‘Deworming Our Children, ;Key to Development’.
The Director Ayofe Health Awareness Initiative, Honorable Adebayo Muritala, described worm infestation as major health problems suffered by children.
He stressed that such condition needed adequate attention.
He explained that the lack of proper and regular deworming causes stunted growth and hinders intellectual development of children.
He said, “Sometimes the children will be treated for headache and pains with no response but when you just deworm, such child will be fine. So, having realised that the health of our children is key to development, we decide to organise this programme.
“The awareness programme, spread across over thirty five villages has been segmented into five centers. Our major focus are the children between ages 2 and 14, though we also benefit some adults.
“The health of our children is important and relevant to the development of our society because when they are healthy, they will have access to education, they will assimilate well. It is not just about making education free, the children have to assimilate well too.”
Honorable Muritala therefore urged parents to deworm their children every three month and consult medical experts.
“Parents should not limit deworming of their children to this exercise alone. They should do it on a three months basis. They should visit primary health care center and consult experts, otherwise that will constitute drug abuse which we are trying to avoid as well,” he added.
The chairman of the partnering group, Medicare Trust Foundation, Dr. Mustapha Hassan, said the exercise was to aid children and adults growth.
He said, “We are here to give health service, free of charge, to those who do not have access to it. The importance of deworming children cannot be overstated.
“We found out that worms affect children and adults especially those in rural areas. It stunts their growth and affect their development. It has also been discovered that regular deworming fights against worm infestations and that is why we are here.”
One of the beneficiaries of the programme identified as Mrs Musefiu who brought her two children commended the exercise and the organisers.
She said, “But for this programme, I wouldn’t have known anything about the need to deworm my children. I really thank the organizer of the programme and pray God bless him abundantly. The programme has really educated me about the effect of worms and the need to deworm my children regularly.”
