06/08/2025
The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), conducts a nationwide deworming program for elementary school students. This initiative, often referred to as "Oplan Goodbye Bulate," aims to combat and reduce Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections, which are caused by parasitic worms like roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms.
**Why is Deworming Important?**
Intestinal worms are a significant public health concern in the Philippines, particularly among children. These parasites compete with the child's body for nutrients, leading to:
* Malnutrition and anemia
* Poor physical growth and development
* Impaired cognitive function and learning ability
* Weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to other illnesses
By deworming children, the program helps to improve their overall health, nutritional status, and school performance.
**Program Details:**
* **Frequency:** The DOH recommends mass deworming twice a year, typically in the months of January and July, to effectively control the spread and reinfection of intestinal worms.
* **Target Population:** The program primarily targets all school-aged children, usually from Kindergarten to Grade 6, enrolled in public elementary schools. Children in private schools and those not enrolled can also be dewormed at their local health centers.
* **Medication:** The deworming tablets used are Albendazole or Mebendazole, which are both safe and effective in eliminating common intestinal worms. They are often given as a single, chewable dose.
* **Safety Measures:** Before the deworming activity, parents or guardians are required to sign a consent form. Students are advised to take the tablet on a full stomach to minimize the risk of mild side effects, such as abdominal pain, nausea, or headache, which are usually a result of the body's response to the dying worms. Health personnel are always on standby to manage any adverse reactions.
* **Holistic Approach:** The deworming activity is part of a larger, more comprehensive health strategy that includes promoting proper water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices to prevent reinfection. This includes handwashing, wearing slippers, and proper waste disposal.