The Southwest Regional Delegation of Public Health is urging parents to allow their children to receive mebendazole, an anti-worm medication used to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections in the gastrointestinal tract.
The call was made in Buea during a briefing for media professionals and school inspectors in preparation for the second round of the Mother and Child Health and Nutrition Action Week (MCHNAW). The briefing took place on Tuesday, November 25, at the Regional Delegation in Buea.
A trainer at the event explained that the campaign, which runs from December 4 to 7, aims to: Supplement at least 95 percent of children aged 12 to 59 months with vitamin A; Treat at least 95 percent of children in the same age group with mebendazole for parasitic infections; Administer the second dose of novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV2) to at least 95% of children aged 0 to 59 months; and Reach routine Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) targets and report any Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFIs).
To achieve these goals, parent awareness is critical. This is why journalists and basic education inspectors were briefed on how to sensitize schools and parents, as health teams will be visiting communities. Officials noted that in the past, they have faced challenges from parents who are unaware of the purpose of such supplements.
Speaking to the press after the event, Mukwelle Syntia, the Regional Focal Point for Nutrition at the Delegation, said they are targeting children from 12 months to 59 months (one to five years old). She stated that the government is committed to reducing infant mortality and morbidity, even among women.
“We are trying to improve the immune systems of our children. We target children up to 59 months because their immune systems are weaker. Due to our limited logistical resources and stock, we are focusing on this most vulnerable group,” she said.
The campaign aims to boost the children’s immune systems. Vitamin A is advantageous because it strengthens immunity, improves vision, aids in the development of reproductive organs, and can even enhance cognitive development and IQ.
During the upcoming campaign round, health personnel will also conduct deworming using mebendazole. According to Mukwelle, a child only needs to chew one tablet to eliminate worms.
“This intervention helps prevent anemia caused by bleeding from intestinal worms in the child’s digestive tract. Deworming also contributes to the child’s overall health and can improve academic performance,” she explained.
She urged parents not to deprive their children of this treatment. However, she also advised parents to communicate any of their child’s health challenges to the visiting health teams.
“We have multiple strategies to reach people in the communities. We will be going door-to-door. We also have teams at fixed posts in health facilities, gathering places like bus stations and markets, as well as in churches and schools,” she said.
By Njodzeka Kernyuy
