KOTLI (Kashmir English): A training and introductory session for Community Lead Trainers (CLTs) was held at Hemlia Hotel in Kotli as part of the sixth round of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Deworming Initiative.
The session brought together representatives and officers from the Education and Health departments to prepare for the successful implementation of the campaign.
The session was hosted by Shahnawaz Yousuf, District Coordinator of the AJK Deworming Initiative in Kotli. Participants included Deputy District Education Officer (Female) Yasmeen Akhtar, Zakia Qayyum, Fariha Naz, Dr. Muniba Aftab, Shakeel Ahmed Khan, District Coordinator M. Yasin, Aamir Raza, Shahbaz-ul-Hassan, Adil Khurshid, and Deputy District Education Officer (Male) Nisar Ahmed, among others.
During the training, participants received detailed information about the objectives of the deworming campaign, intestinal worm infections in children, their harmful effects, preventive measures, and available treatments.
The session explained that intestinal worms are parasites that live in the human gut and feed on nutrients consumed by the host. They produce eggs that leave the body through human waste and can spread through contaminated soil and other sources, particularly where sanitation and hygiene practices are inadequate.
Speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining proper hygiene to protect children from intestinal worm infections. Participants were advised to wash fruits, vegetables and salads with clean water, maintain hand hygiene before and after meals, use safe drinking water and keep their surroundings clean.
It was also explained that children aged 5 to 14 years receive a 500mg Mebendazole tablet once a year under the campaign. The medicine is used to treat intestinal worm infections and is provided to the Government of Pakistan through a donation programme by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The primary objective of the session was to equip community trainers with the knowledge and skills needed to raise awareness among children and parents and ensure effective coordination between the Education and Health departments for the successful completion of the sixth round of the deworming campaign.
