adminThandeka Moyo Chronicle Correspondent
AT least 12 000 children were immunised against bilharzia and intestinal worms in Bulawayo by Thursday, statistics from the Bulawayo City Council show. The second National Mass Drug Administration for bilharzia and intestinal worms programme aimed at addressing the prevalence of neglected tropical diseases was launched last week by the council in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and civic society.
In a statement yesterday, council’s senior public relations officer Mrs Nesisa Mpofu applauded members of the public for the turnout.
“A total number of 12 000 children have since been attended to and we will continue giving medicines even beyond the campaign period. The target for Bulawayo is 330 000 children from 1 to 15 years. The aim is to achieve the set target.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming and the members of the public have been very receptive,” said Mrs Mpofu.
She said parents were told to ensure that their children are well fed before taking the medication as failure to do so would lead to reactions.
“It is true that some children may experience side effects after taking either praziquantel tablets or albendazole tablets. The most common side effects of these medicines are vomiting, dizziness, headaches, stomach aches and diarrhoea.
“This can be limited by taking these medicines on a full stomach. Parents have been advised to ensure that children are well fed and carry food to school before they receive these medicines. It is also important to remember that the overall benefit of taking these medicines outweighs any risks of side effects. In case where the child has no food, the School Development Committees, Business community, different partners and Ministry of Health and Child Care have assisted with food items for such children,” she said.
Mrs Mpofu said bilharzia and intestinal worms were prevalent tropical diseases that had a negative impact on the health and learning capacities of children and negatively impacted on the development of communities.
The first national Mass Drug Administration (17-21 September 2012) formed the initial component of the comprehensive programme towards control and eventual elimination of bilharzia and intestinal worm
The average prevalence for Bilharzias was 22.7%, but reaching up to 62.3%; and 5.8% for intestinal worms with some districts recording 45.5% prevalence.
Online Reporter