6.72 lakh people to receive albendazole tablets in Namakkal district

Namakkal district will distribute albendazole tablets to 6.72 lakh residents as part of National Deworming Day initiatives.

Namakkal District Collector Durgamoorthi on Tuesday (February 10, 2026) said that 6.72 lakh people, including children, will receive albendazole tablets in the district.

On Tuesday, the Collector inaugurated the National Deworming Day camp at a government primary school at Perasapalayam.

Addressing the media, the Collector said that 24% of the world's population is infected with soil-transmitted helminth infections, with India alone contributing to nearly 25% of the total global infections. Even if 1% of the population defecates in the open, people in that area can become infected with helminths. The infection can also occur through contaminated soil, soil-grown produce, and soil-borne pathogens, the Collector added.

People infected with worms usually do not have any symptoms, while those with severe infections will experience diarrhoea, stomach pain, weakness, and loss of appetite. “Worms grow by absorbing iron, nutrients, and vitamins from the food we eat and the infections cause iron deficiency, anaemia, and malnutrition, which affect physical growth and development,” the Collector said.

As a solution, albendazole tablets for children increases physical growth, weight gain, and resistance to other infections. Adolescents who take albendazole for their physical health will be able to work for longer periods. The Collector said avoiding open defecation, keeping surroundings clean, washing fruits and vegetables, drinking clean water, eating hygienic food, keeping nails trimmed and clean, and washing hands with soap can prevent worm infestation.

The National Deworming Camps are being held across Tamil Nadu on Tuesday on behalf of the Public Health Department. In the camp, children between the ages of one and two (200 mg), and three and 19 years (400 mg) and women between the ages of 20 and 30 (400 mg) (not for pregnant or breastfeeding women) were given deworming tablets. The tablets should be chewed and swallowed well post lunch.