By Oluwasemiloore Ige)
In response to the recent cholera outbreak in Nigeria, health experts are stressing the critical need for regular deworming, particularly for children.
A medical practitioner, Dr. Isa Folajomi, emphasized that deworming at least twice a year is vital for maintaining overall health and preventing complications from parasitic infections during an interview with our correspondent, Oluwasemiloore Ige.
“Deworming is crucial, particularly for children, as it helps to improve nutritional uptake and boost their immune system, which is vital in combating diseases like cholera,” he stated.
The cholera outbreak has raised alarms across the nation, with health officials urging citizens to adopt better hygiene practices and take preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease. Cholera, a waterborne illness, can cause severe dehydration and is particularly dangerous for young children and those with weakened immune systems.
Dr. Folajomi explained that regular deworming can reduce the risk of intestinal infections, which can exacerbate the effects of cholera. “Intestinal worms can compromise the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, making individuals more susceptible to severe outcomes from cholera. By deworming regularly, we can mitigate this risk and improve public health,” he added.
He also highlighted the importance of communities initiating deworming programs alongside other public health measures. These initiatives begin at primary health care centers in each community, where deworming medication is supplied, and parents are encouraged to bring their children to receive the medication free of charge.
He mentioned that deworming drugs are easy to administer, as each child only needs to take a single dose, similar to vaccinations such as polio, which are administered at specific ages recommended by medical professionals.