DEWORMING IN DEPED
CARLA MAY S. FRANCISCO
Several studies conducted by a number of health organizations and documented by the World Health
Organization revealed that one third of the world’s population is infected by worms, with children and the
poor having the most intense infections. Further, it was found out that most infections were long term and
chronic, and has a negative impact on all aspects of a child’s development such as health, nutrition, cognitive
development, learning and educational access and achievement.
Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) refer to the intestinal worms infecting humans that are transmitted
through soil contaminated with fecal matter. The main species that infect people are the roundworm (Ascaris
Lumbricodes), the whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and the hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma
duodenale). STH infection is found mainly in areas with warm and moist climates where sanitation and
hygiene are poor.
Due to the relatively high prevalence rate of STH infections in the country, the Integrated Helminth Control
Program (IHCP) was established by the DOH and DepEd to implement deworming together with WASH
(Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), behavior change and advocacy interventions.
On July 24, 2015, in support of the Department of Health’s nationwide activity on National School Deworming
Day, the Department of Education issued DepEd Memorandum No. 80 s. 2015 entitled “Guidelines on the
Implementation of the National School Deworming Day (NSDD)”.
National School Deworming Day is administered twice every year during the months of January and July. For
FY 2019, despite of the controversies on DOH immunization 91.73% of the total enrolled population from
Kinder to Grade 12 were dewormed in January 2019 and 93.87% in July 2019. For FY 2020, 92.49% of the
total enrolled population from Kinder to Grade 12 learners were dewormed during the first administration in
January, but unfortunately due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the 2nd administration of the deworming program
was suspended.
The recommended drugs by the DOH and WHO for the mass deworming are Albendazole 400 mg and
Mebendazole 500 mg, both are chewable flavoured tablets and are known to have excellent safety records
with only minimal and transient adverse reactions. These drugs are inexpensive and effective making regular
deworming of Filipino children both affordable and sustainable.
Mass Drug Administration Provider should ensure that children take the deworming tablet on full stomach,
chew and swallow it. MDAP must also be cautious not to administer the deworming drugs to children who
are seriously ill; has high fever; is experiencing abdominal pain; has diarrhea; or has previously suffered
hypersensitivity to the drug.
Private schools that intend to join this nationwide activity are instructed to coordinate with DepEd Regional
Office for allotment of deworming drugs while children not enrolled in schools can ask help from their Local
Health Centers.