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National Deworming Day 2025: In India, about 241 million children between the ages of 1 and 14 are susceptible to parasitic intestinal worms.
National Deworming Day is observed every year on February 10. (Image: Shutterstock)
National Deworming Day 2025: In India, February 10 is designated as National Deworming Day, to deworm all children aged 1 to 19. The day, regarded as the largest deworming initiative in the world, was started in India in 2015 to reach the almost 240 million children, who are at risk of contracting soil-transmitted helminths in that country.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that intestinal worms, also known as soil-transmitted helminthiases, are among the most prevalent illnesses in humans and are brought on by infection with the nematodes Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), and Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus (hookworms).
Deworming: What is it?
Deworming is the process of treating worm infections in children by eliminating intestinal worms or parasites from their bodies using medication. When children are not given deworming tablets or treatment, they may develop soil-transmitted helminths, a disorder in which a group of worms affects the human body. Worm infestation is a major hazard to newborn death rates and a common health concern.
Worm infections can impact a child’s ability to absorb nutrients, leading to issues like malnourishment, anaemia, and stunted mental and physical growth.
National Deworming Day 2025: Date
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is the organisation behind National Deworming Day. The goal of the annual February 10 observance is to rid the country’s children of worms. The day is observed every two years in certain states and Union Territories where soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are more common.
In every state and union territory, the Indian government distributes deworming tablets via Anganwadi centres and schools. The first round is held on February 10 of each year, while the second round is held on August 10.
National Deworming Day 2025: History
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare created National Deworming Day in February 2015. In 11 Indian states and Union Territories, 277 districts are to mark this day, according to the National Health Mission’s official website. Deworming children is the initiative’s main goal.
This programme was extended to all districts nationwide in 2016. Since then, February 10 and August 10 are the two times the day is commemorated annually.
The deworming programme is in all government-run and government-aided schools and anganwadi institutions. The main goal is to provide the children with pills of albendazole, a deworming medication.
National Deworming Day 2025: Significance
In India, National Deworming Day is a public health campaign to address the issue of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). Reaching as many kids as possible with a single dosage of albendazole is the primary goal of this day. Since they are most susceptible to STH infections, preschoolers and school-age children are the initiative’s target demographic. The day is particularly significant for enhancing the health and welfare of Indian children.
To reach children in both rural and urban regions, efforts are conducted in close cooperation with the state governments. The goal is to significantly enhance children’s health and lessen the burden of STH infection.
Raising awareness of the value of environmental and personal hygiene is another goal of National Deworming Day. Additionally, the day educates people about STH infections and how to avoid them.
Deworming: What’s Its Purpose?
Even though this worm infestation might not have any negative effects right away, it could eventually pose a major threat to human life. Children’s learning, development, mental health, and nutrition can all be negatively impacted by a persistent infection.
