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SKS NGO, Deworm the World and Andhra Pradesh Government Join Hands for Rural Deworming Initiative in India to Rid Children of Intestinal Worms

Mar '2010

Deworming medicine to be distributed to 150,000 children in southern India

Hyderabad: Swayam Krishi Sangam (SKS NGO), the non-profit arm of SKS Microfinance, with technical assistance from the global non-profit Deworm the World, (DtW) and support from the Andhra Pradesh state government have launched a three-day deworming program in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh in southern India. The community-based initiative will reach as many as 150,000 school-age children across 352 villages in Kurnool district. Field staff from SKS Microfinance will distribute deworming tablets through the organization’s rural distribution network.

This program supports efforts by the Andhra Pradesh government to provide deworming treatment to all children at risk of parasitic worm infections in the state. Last year, the state’s Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare (DoHMFW), Department of School Education (DoSE), and Department of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (DoSSA) jointly kicked-off this program by deworming 2 million children in six districts through schools. DtW also provided technical assistance to this government-led initiative.

The DoHMFW in Kurnool district is supporting this initiative through their existing health infrastructure and staff. The District Medical & Health Officer of Kurnool , Dr. Shiva Sankara Reddy, said, “We are excited to partner with SKS NGO, SKS Microfinance and Deworm the World for this deworming initiative in Kurnool District. We are extending support and ensuring that primary health center staff are informed about the program and will be present during the initiative.”

The overall program to treat school-age children at risk for parasitic worm infections is being carried out in a coordinated manner by the Andhra Pradesh government and development partners to improve the health of children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. Studies have shown that children infected by worms can have anaemia, stunted growth and malnutrition. Treating them of the infection can lead to a dramatic increase in school attendance as well as academic performance levels of students.

According to Dr. Lesley Drake, Executive Director of DtW, “Parasitic worm infections can seriously affect the nutrition, health and education of children and thus their overall development. But there is a simple, safe and inexpensive solution: a single-dose of anthelmintic drug such as Mebendazole 500 mg given annually/bi-annually, depending on prevalence estimates. We fully support and commend the Andhra Pradesh government and development partners like SKS Microfinance in their efforts to rid children of worms and in so doing give every child in the state a chance for a better future. DtW will do its utmost to support their efforts in this direction.”

In addition to technical support, DtW has organized donations of single-dose Mebendezole 500 mg tablets for SKS Microfinance’s community-based deworming program.

SKS Microfinance is taking a pioneering role in this community-based deworming program by deploying their large network of field staff who normally disburse and manage tiny loans to low-income people across India.

Dr. Vikram Akula, Founder and Chairperson of SKS Microfinance, said: “For most people, worms do not register as an urgent public health issue. Yet these debilitating parasites infect more than 400million school-age children in the developing world. The horrible symptoms caused by worms are preventable through safe, inexpensive medicine. We can help address the challenge of distributing deworming tablets by harnessing SKS Microfinance’s network of field assistants.”

In addition to distributing deworming tablets, SKS Microfinance field staff in Kurnool district will also sensitize local people about the benefits of regular deworming; the safety and efficacy of deworming medicine; and the need for hygienic practices to prevent future worm infestation.

About DtW and SKS:

Launched by a group of Young Global Leaders at the 2007 World Economic Forum, Deworm the World (DtW), works with governments and its development partners to identify and remove the barriers to deworming programmes for schoolage children. DtW is currently coordinating deworming action in 26 countries, by working directly with national/state governments and other development partners to provide and coordination assistance to support the design and implementation of sustainable mass deworming programmes.

Launched in 1998, SKS Microfinance is one of India’s leading microfinance organisations. It provides micro loans to poor women who start and expand simple businesses to increase their income. Its non-profit organization, SKS NGO, focuses on helping the destitute and supports development programs in education and public health.