THE Department of Health (DOH) defended the nationwide deworming activity, calling it “safe and effective,” urging parents to continue having their children take the medication.
This comes after a Grade 4 student from Cavite died on July 3 after a school-based deworming activity.
“The deworming medicine used in the program, Albendazole, has been part of the country's public health program for nearly three decades and is recommended by the World Health Organization. It is generally safe and well tolerated,” the agency said in a statement late Thursday.
According to the DOH, it has directed local government units (LGUs) and health workers to strictly follow medical protocols during both school-based and community-based distribution to ensure the safety of the rollout.
While claiming the medication is safe, the DOH noted that some children may experience mild temporary side effects as a reaction of the body to the treatment.
These expected reactions typically occur within the first few hours and include stomach pain or nausea, mild fever, vomiting or diarrhea, and temporary skin rashes.
According to the DOH, children are highly susceptible to soil-transmitted helminths — or intestinal worms — due to frequent contact with contaminated soil during play and daily activities.
If left untreated, worm infections can lead to severe health and developmental issues, including stunting and a poor immune system.
