States show reduction in Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases (STH)
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Sci & Tech
In news
Recently, Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases (STH) was in news.
Several states have shown reduction in the infection.
Important value additions
Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases (STH)
It is also known as parasitic intestinal worm infection.
It is known to have detrimental effects on children’s physical growth and well-being and can cause anaemia and under-nutrition.
Regular deworming is advised by the WHO.
It eliminates worm infestation among children and adolescents living in areas with high STH burden.
In India, there were an estimated 64% children in the age group (1-14 years) at risk of STH as per WHO Report on STH published in 2012.
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) completed the baseline STH mapping across the country by the end of 2016.
The data showed varied prevalence ranging from 12.5 % in Madhya Pradesh to 85% in Tamil Nadu.
Do you know?
The National Deworming Day (NDD) was launched in 2015.
Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Education and technical assistance from WHO
It is implemented as a biannual single day programme implemented through the platforms of schools and anganwadis.
