A Non Governmental Organisation, Ayofe Health Awareness Initiative, in conjunction with Medicare Trust Foundation has engaged in free massive deworming exercise of children and adults in Bode Osi town in Osun State.

The groups also embarked on awareness programme on the importance of deworming children through a programme themed ‘Deworming Our Children: Key to Development’.

The Director Ayofe Health Awareness Initiative, Honorable Adebayo Muritala, described worm infestation as major health problems suffered by children, and stressed that such conditions need adequate attention. He explained that lack of proper and regular deworming causes stunted growth and hinders intellectual development of children.

“Sometimes the children will be treated for headache and pains with no response but when you just deworm, such child will be fine. So, having realised that the health of our children is key to development, we decided to organise this programme.

“The awareness programme, spread across over 35 villages has been segmented into five centres. Our major focus is children between ages two and 14, though some adults also benefit.

“The health of our children is important and relevant to the development of our society because when they are healthy, they will have access to education, they will assimilate well. It is not just about making education free, the children have to assimilate well too.”

Hon. Muritala therefore urged parents to deworm their children every three month and consult medical experts.

“Parents should not limit deworming of their children to this exercise alone. They should do it on a three months basis. They should visit primary health care centre and consult experts, otherwise that will constitute drug abuse which we are trying to avoid as well.

The chairman of the partnering group, Medicare Trust Foundation, Dr. Mustapha Hassan, spoke on the motivation for the exercise.

“We are here to give health service, free of charge, to those who do not have access to it. The importance of deworming children cannot be overstated.

“We found out that worms affect children and adults especially those in rural areas. It stunts their growth and affects their development. It has also been discovered that regular deworming fights against worm infestations and that is why we are here.”

A pharmacist who administered drugs to children, Kamarudeen Bankole, also noted the importance of deworming children. He said proper deworming develops children psychologically and in terms of their well being.

“Sometimes you see a child looking smaller than his age. More often than not, it is a result of worm infestation because when worms start to compete with the food you eat, it naturally affects your growth. I salute the organiser of this programme, it is a laudable project.”

In a chat with our correspondent, the Onibode of Bode-Osi community, Oba Abioye Nureni Oyewale Ojo II, expressed his happiness at having such a programme in his community.

He said: “In fact, we are very happy. Since Honourable Muritala first informed us of this event, we announced it in mosques, churches and the public palace because we know it is a good programme.

“And I am happy there has been a great turn out, in fact we have recorded close to 200 children at this particular centre. We pray God continue to be with him and provide for him so he will do more for the community.”

One of the beneficiaries of the programme, Mrs. Musefiu who brought her two children commended the exercise and the organisers.

Her words: “But for this programme, I wouldn’t have known anything about the need to deworm my children. I really thank the organiser of the programme and pray to God to bless him abundantly. The programme has really educated me about the effect of worms and the need to deworm my children regularly.”

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