ILOILO — The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas has warned that misinformation could undermine the deworming campaign this July and expose children to intestinal worm infections that may cause anemia, stunted growth and delayed cognitive development.
DOH Region 6 urged parents, guardians, educators, local governments and communities to support school- and community-based deworming activities and rely only on verified health information.
The campaign targets soil-transmitted helminths, or intestinal worms, which particularly threaten children because of their frequent exposure to soil that may be contaminated with parasite eggs.
Without treatment, the infections can impair the body’s absorption of nutrients and lead to anemia, poor growth, delayed cognitive development and weakened resistance to other illnesses, the DOH-6 said.
Intestinal worm infections may also affect children’s school attendance and academic performance.
Albendazole, the medicine used in the deworming program, has been part of the country’s public health strategy for nearly three decades and is endorsed by the World Health Organization as a safe and effective treatment.
DOH said the medicine is generally well tolerated, although some children may experience minor and temporary side effects such as stomach discomfort, vomiting, fever, diarrhea or skin rashes within hours after taking it.
Health professionals are prepared to manage any adverse reactions, it added.
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