National Deworming Day: Centre targets 27 crore children

The government has set a target of deworming approximately 27 crore children across the country as part of this year's 'National Deworming Day' programme, which would be launched from Telangana on Wednesday.

As part of the programme, which would be followed by a mop-up drive on February 15, where the left-outs will be taken care of, 400 mg of albendazole tablets will be administered to those aged 1-19 years. Of the targetted 27 crore children, 19 crore are studying in schools, Health Minister JP Nadda said.

"Last year the National Deworming Day was launched in Rajasthan and reached more than 89.9 million children in 10 states and one UT. This year, the target is 27 crore and the programme will be undertaken in all the states and UTs," he said.

"If we are able to hit the target of 27 crore, India will be healthier and we will have a healthy young India. It's world's largest public health programme which we have undertaken," he said.