AGARTALA, Aug 8 (TIWN): National deworming day has been observed across Tripura schools today, which was inaugurated officially by Social Welfare Minister Santana Chakma.

On yesterday, along with the nation, state Tripura is also celebrating national deworming day )on August 7), inaugurated by Santana Chakma, the Social Welfare Minister.

State Health department has reportedly included rota virus vaccines as part of regular de-worming vaccines in the state. The vaccines will be administered to kids on national deworming day on August 8. The vaccine and deworming pills are being administered to kids under the age of 5 years.

Experts opine that the deworming with the safe and beneficial Albendazole tablet is an evidence- based, globally accepted and effective solution to control intestinal worm infections. Children who are out of school would be mobilised by ASHAs to be dewormed at Anganwadi centres on National Deworming Day. According to the doctors, the side effects from consuming Albendazole are rare and mild. It can include nausea, vomiting and dizziness, especially in the children with high worm loads.

As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) data, more than 22 crore children in ages of 5- 14 years are at risk of helminth infection.