Issued by Department of Health
14 September 2006, Limpopo
The Minister of Health Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and Limpopo MEC for Health and Social Development Mr Seaparo Sekoati, will officially launch a national deworming programme.
The launch to be held at Potokela Primary School in Blouberg village in Limpopo tomorrow (Thursday) from 9am, will be attended by community members including learners and educators.
The Minister and MEC, assisted by the local chief, councillors, 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 Intergrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Strategy, focusing on children aged from one-week to 5 years.
The programme has been expanded 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 9h00am. Temo is the oldest person alive in the world, due to be recorded in World Guinness Book of Records.
The Minister, MEC and Temo will deworm a group of children at her residence, to improve the health of children.
The main event to mark the launch of the National Deworming Programme starts at 11am.
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