16/07/2026
DOH URGES PUBLIC TO SUPPORT JULY DEWORMING PROGRAM, WARNS AGAINST MISINFORMATION
The Department of Health (DOH) is urging parents, guardians, schools, and communities to continue supporting the nationwide deworming activities this July, emphasizing that deworming remains a safe, effective, and proven way to protect Filipino children from intestinal worms.
Children are especially vulnerable to soil-transmitted helminths or intestinal worms because they are more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil. Left untreated, these infections can lead to poor nutrition, anemia, stunted physical growth, delayed learning, and reduced resistance to other illnesses. They can also affect a child's attendance and performance in school.
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.
Some children may experience mild and temporary side effects such as stomach pain, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or skin rashes after taking the medicine. These reactions are expected in some cases, usually occur within the first few hours, and can be managed with proper medical guidance.
The Department has also directed health workers and local government units to strictly follow safety protocols during the conduct of both school-based and community-based deworming activities to ensure the safe administration of the medicine and the proper management of any adverse events.
The DOH likewise reminds the public to rely only on verified information from the Department of Health and to refrain from sharing unverified reports or misleading claims that may cause unnecessary fear and discourage participation in this important public health program.
The Department remains committed to protecting the health of Filipino children through safe, science-based, and evidence-driven public health interventions.
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