Tuesday, April 17, 2007 Oledan: Bungling By Radzini Oledan Slice of Life
IN VARIOUS cities, provinces and municipalities, there is lack of recognition that worm infection is a problem that should be discussed and responded into by proper health and education planning, including policies if children are to survive and participate actively in school and in their communities.
Recently, the Department of Health (DOH) released its report indicating that as many as nine out of every 10 children in the country are prone to poor physical and mental development because the problem of intestinal worms has largely gone unchecked.
The nationwide study was performed for over 10 years where it was found, among others, that a prevalence of 50-90% in children aged 2-14 years may have one or more of the three most common types of soil transmitted helminths: roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm.
Children, 2-14 tears old are the most vulnerable segment of the population to the disease and death rate is highest among children 1 to 5 years old.
Common intestinal helminthes or worms are becoming a major health problem particularly among children. Yet, not enough is being done to arrest the problem as indicated by the absence of a synchronized national program to respond to it.
Overtime, the occurrence of such problem is being seen as a 'normal' consequence of poverty, which, in the same framework, cannot be solved. At least, for now.
It is not only children in the urban poor areas but also those living in the boondocks who have to suffer from pain and enlargement of the abdomen, anemia, loss of appetite and weight, vomiting, malnutrition, insomnia and irregular respiration resulting to stunted growth, decreased physical activity, poor physical and mental development.
Still, education effort is focused on provision of books and improving facilities.
In the sidelight is the impact of the health situation of children, the environment that they live in and the resources needed for them to survive and develop in a school setting.
The importance of schooling cannot be underestimated: if a child is infected with worms, their ability to learn is jeopardized through simple absenteeism and in some cases, morbidity.
Logically, there is a need to implement a deworming program to reduce the prevalence of infection among school children. But this is not seen in a wholistic sense of education and health planning in schools and communities.
The infection thrives in areas where there is poverty, ignorance and lack of sanitation, hence, awareness raising along with an adequate feeding program for children should be part of the response.
Health and nutrition services in schools and communities should be of paramount concern. It is of outmost importance that access to safe water and sanitation be made part of a holistic program for children and their families.
The best way to act against intestinal parasitic infection among children is to involve the community.
By tapping the strength of local partners and focusing resources around a central issue, the infection could be reduced.
As of now, what we have are bits and pieces. (Email comments to roledan@gmail.com)
