AGARTALA, Jan 18 (TIWN): The National Deworming day under NHM for the year 2018 has begun on Thursday.

Across the schools the children were administered with deworming tablets.

National Deworming Day is a groundbreaking initiative focused on reducing the threat of parasitic worm infections, a widespread health issue affecting over 241 million children in India alone.

India has the highest burden of soil-transmitted helminths or parasitic worms in the world. Parasitic worms in children interfere with nutrient uptake, and can contribute to anemia, malnourishment, and impaired mental and physical development.

Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) are a significant public health concern for India. Around 22 crore Indian children aged 1-14 are estimated to be at risk of worm infections. Worms in children interfere with nutrient uptake, and can contribute to anaemia, malnourishment, and impaired mental and physical development.