The deworming in children from 2 years of age is a public health strategy supported both by the health care program of the Ministry of Public Health of Guatemala as well as by the World Health Organization.
In children the presence of parasites is directly related to chronic iron and micro nutrient deficiency anemia, growth retardation and intestinal obstruction.
Children are also considered to lose an average of 3.75 points of their IQ due to infections caused by these parasites. It is for these reasons that it is important to carry out this program to promote the health and performance of children in schools.
Every year one visit is made to the schools for deworming the children where they receive mebendazol 500 mg or a unique dose of Albedazol 400 mg. According to the World Health Organization this is an essential strategy to avoid malnutrition, anemia, stunting in children from low income countries. The medical doctors of the foundation do this activity twice every year, with the support of the local Health Center.
Objectives:
- Promote the active participation of children, teachers and health givers through the deworming program at schools.
- Reduce the incidence of parasitism in children.
- Reduce the incidence/prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases secondary to parasites.
- Reduce school absenteeism related to parasitic diseases and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Prevent nutritional deficiencies related to parasitic diseases.
- Improving academic achievement in school children