Cross River Govt Launches Drive To Deworm School-aged Children

The Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, has charged trainees engaged in the state’s School-Based Deworming Programme to demonstrate dedication, professionalism, and commitment in the collective effort to eliminate worm infections among school-aged children by the World Health Organization’s 2030 deadline.

Speaking while declaring open a 2-day train the trainees refresher session for health workers and programme facilitators, in Calabar, Governor Otu emphasised the importance of the initiative in safeguarding the health and future of children across the state.

“The deworming campaign is not just a routine exercise; it is a strategic investment in the future of Cross River State,” Governor Otu said through the State director, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Pastor Veronica Mark Onen.

Pastor Veronica, who also stood as the representative of the commissioner for health, Dr Henry AyuK, described the deworming exercise as a critical intervention under his administration’s people-centered health agenda.

Governor Otu noted that worm infections remain a significant public health concern, affecting children’s growth, cognitive development, and academic performance. “Our children deserve a healthy start in life,” he said.

Otu assured stakeholders of the state government’s continued support for health and education initiatives, stressing that collaboration between implementation partners, Evidence Action, Federal Ministry of Health, and community leaders remains key to achieving success during the exercise.

Programme associate, Evidence Action, Mr. Andrew Ushie, expressed hope that trainees would apply their new knowledge in the field for impactful results.

“We are excited for an opportunity to train the foot soldiers who will implement the programmes in schools across the State,” he said.

The training programme is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to safely administer deworming drugs, manage records, and carry out community sensitisation, with the aim of eliminating worm infections in Cross River State by 2030.