THE Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH 7) on Friday, July 17, 2026, assured parents that the National Deworming Month campaign remains safe after the reported death of a Grade 4 pupil in Cavite following a school-based deworming activity.
In a public advisory, the DOH 7 said Albendazole, the medicine used in the campaign, has been part of the country’s public health program for nearly three decades and is recommended by the World Health Organization.
“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 advisory reads.
National Deworming Month is held twice a year, in January and July.
The DOH 7 said some children may experience temporary side effects within the first few hours after taking the tablet, including mild stomach pain, vomiting, fever, diarrhea or skin rashes. It said these reactions are generally manageable with proper medical care.
It also directed health workers and local government units to follow established safety protocols and closely monitor children for any adverse reactions after deworming.
Unverified reports
The DOH 7 urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid sharing unverified reports that could cause unnecessary fear or discourage participation in the campaign.
The advisory came after a Grade 4 pupil in Cavite died after participating in a school-based deworming activity. The Philippine National Police and the Department of Education are investigating the incident to determine the child’s cause of death. Authorities have not established that the deworming tablet caused the death.
The DOH said untreated intestinal worm infections can lead to severe malnutrition, stunted growth, anemia, delayed learning and reduced resistance to other illnesses.
The issue remains relevant in Cebu City, where malnutrition continues to affect children. Data from the Cebu City Nutrition Office showed that in 2025, 1.63 percent of children were classified as underweight or severely underweight, while 3.27 percent were stunted or severely stunted. The city also recorded 516 active cases of moderate and severe acute malnutrition.
Across Central Visayas, child malnutrition has continued to decline. Data from the 2025 Operation Timbang Plus report showed the regional stunting rate fell to 6.26 percent from 6.7 percent in 2024. / VEEJAY CATADMAN, UP CEBU INTERN
