Official Launch of the Deworming Programme for School-Going Age Children

14 September 2006

The Minister of Health Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and Limpopo MEC for Health and Social Development invite all media people to the official launch of national deworming programme.

The launch to be held at Potokela Primary School in Blouberg Village in Limpopo tomorrow (Thursday) at 9am, will be attended by community members including learners and educators.

The Minister and MEC, assisted by the local chief, councilors, educators and health workers, will conduct a mass deworming of children during the event. Children will receive Mebendazole for worms.

Many children in South Africa, especially those who live in areas where water supply and sanitation are still poor, are infested with worms. The worms can stunt their growth and ability to learn.

Deworming is part of the Department of Health’s Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Strategy, focusing on children aged from one week to 5 years.

The programme has been expanded this initiative to include children of school-going-age to improve their health, school attendance, physical and intellectual performance.

The activities for the day will include a visit to the 132 year-old Koko Temo at Mogodi Village at 9h25am. Temo is the oldest person alive in the world, due to be recorded in World Guinness Book of Records

The main event will start at 11 am.