Ogun state takes on intestinal worms with mass deworming exercise

The wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun has flagged off the 2013 deworming exercise with a call for promotion of personal hygiene among children to prevent diseases.

She also urged children to always avoid all forms of habits that could affect their health. She said the state embarked on the deworming exercise to eradicate intestinal worms which could cause mental and physical retardation, poor health and low blood levels.

 She said: “Our children are the future leaders and it is important that we secure their lives by safeguarding their right to quality health care. So, we have laid down plans in conjunction with Emzor Group to conduct an extensive de-worming exercise across the state. Our desire is to lay a solid foundation for children by de-worming them periodically to enhance their health and well-being.”

Commenting,  the Group Managing Director of Emzor, Dr. Stella Okoli described worms as enemies of children.

She said: "Worms are enemies not just to children but the whole family,” adding that; "worms are very often referred to as enemies within.

“Most of these worms live in the intestinal tract where they compete with you for food, causing malnutrition and other health problems. Children are obviously at greater risk in terms of morbidity associated with heavy worm burden. Over 30,000 de-worming kits have been donated to public schools in Ogun State for the 2013 de-worming exercise."