Kakamega seeks to deworm 4 million learners next week

The Kakamega government is set to deworm over four million learners in a one-day drive scheduled for next Wednesday.

The campaign targets children aged between two and 15 years in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres and primary schools.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to eradicate neglected tropical diseases and soil transmitted helminths, commonly known as worms, to promote better health among learners in Kakamega.

Students in secondary schools, tertiary colleges and universities were given deworming drugs on Wednesday and Thursday this week in preparation for the countywide exercise.

County public health officer Tabitha Kiberenge assured parents and guardians that the drugs to be administered are safe and no complications are expected. She spoke at a sensitisation forum at Butere Boys' High School on Thursday.

Kiberenge said deworming in primary schools is an annual exercise, but this year it has been expanded to include secondary schools, tertiary colleges and universities.

The forum was attended by subcounty public health officers, disease surveillance officers, education stakeholders and other partners from across the county.

Research conducted over the last two years indicates that 25 per cent of learners who received deworming treatment showed improvements in academic performance.

“The drug has been tested and approved. However, students who are unwell or have medical complications will be exempted and can access the treatment once they recover,” Kiberenge said.

She said the campaign will also reach children aged two to 15 years in their homes.

Education stakeholders pledged to collaborate with the county public health department to ensure the success of the exercise.

William Ochieng confirmed that teachers have been authorised to fully participate in the exercise, while Anthony Ngaira said teacher training targeting primary and junior secondary schools, including both enrolled and non-enrolled pupils, was conducted earlier this week.

“We urge parents to make their children available for deworming to support proper cognitive development and enhance academic performance,” Ngaira said.