By Zakariyya Aliyu Gwaram
To address school absenteeism, malnutrition, and disease prevalence among children, the Adamawa State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, initiated the 2024 School Pupils Deworming Campaign throughout the state’s twenty-one local governments.
The campaign flagged off took place at the Central Primary School Jimeta.
Health Commissioner of Adamawa State, Chief Felix Tangwami, represented by the Health Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Pharmacist Zirra Mathias, emphasized the government’s commitment to combating child poverty through effective health interventions. Tangwami highlighted the critical role of deworming in combating parasitic infections in children, which can impede growth and contribute to poverty.
Dr. Sulaiman Saidu Bashir, the Executive Chairman of the Primary Health Care Development Agency in Adamawa State, noted that the campaign extended beyond distributing deworming tablets by also educating parents on the importance of hygiene and handwashing to prevent infections that cause worm infestations.
The initiative also aimed to reinforce the importance of handwashing among school principals to ensure the success of the campaign.
Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Yayaji Mijinyawa, praised Governor Fintiri’s commitment to enhancing public welfare and touching on all facets of life.
The Chairman of Yola North local government also expressed gratitude towards the state government, traditional leaders, and partners for their support in health improvement efforts within the local council.
On behalf of the collaborating partners, WHO representative Dr. Ahemen Terseer acknowledged the campaign’s importance in tackling child health issues.
Dr. Terseer further said the exercise aligned with the world apex Health Organisation(WHO) objective:to curb spreads of diseases in the communities of Adamawa state.
He equally recognised the participation of the traditional leaders as pivotal in ensuring taking health support to the grassroots.
As part of the campaign, pupils received deworming tablets, footwear, and health hygiene kits.
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