DOH-CAR Sets Ambitious Deworming Goal for Over Half a Million in Cordillera Region

Cordillera, Philippines – The Department of Health-Cordillera (DOH-CAR) has set an ambitious goal to deworm approximately 521,000 individuals, or 85% of its target population of more than 610,000, as part of its health program this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program specifically aims to administer deworming treatment to individuals aged 1-19 years. This year’s target significantly surpasses last year’s figures, where only 106,691 individuals benefited from the program out of the roughly 613,884 targeted. Data from the regional health office revealed that in the previous year, 60,780 individuals aged 12 to 59 months received two doses of deworming drugs, 19,284 children aged 5 to 9 years, and 26,627 individuals aged 10 to 19 years were treated.

Dianne Aurora Delizo, the focal person for the DOH-CAR program, explained in a recent media interview that last year’s lower achievement rate was partly due to parental concerns about medication, a sentiment influenced by vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic. She expressed optimism for greater success this year, attributing it to planned school visits and the issuance of waivers for parental consent for child deworming.

Delizo emphasized the importance of deworming for children’s health, noting that parasitic worms can impact physical and mental activity and, in severe cases, lead to death. The DOH provides albendazole or mebendazole pills, both of which are available at DOH and government health facilities.

To prevent intestinal worms, Delizo advised practicing the WaSH strategy – water, sanitation, and hygiene. This includes maintaining clean hands and toenails, consuming safe drinking water, ensuring food is properly cooked, and keeping surroundings clean to minimize the risk of parasite infection.