280/2026-2027

Lunglei, 10 August 2026: The second round of the National Deworming Day (NDD) 2026 was observed across Lunglei District on Monday, with deworming tablets administered to children and adolescents aged 1–19 years.

The district-level launch programme was held at Government Bazar High School, Bazar Veng, Lunglei, where Lunglei Sub-Deputy Commissioner Pu Deepak Godara, IAS, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and administered Albendazole tablets to some of the students.

Addressing the students, Pu Deepak Godara stressed the importance of maintaining good physical and mental health for academic achievement and success in life. He urged students to maintain personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly and consume only clean drinking water to protect themselves from worm infections and other health problems.

He also encouraged the students, as the future of the nation, to take their health seriously and become responsible ambassadors of good health by sharing what they learn with their families and friends. He wished them success in their studies and future endeavours, while emphasising the importance of hard work and discipline.

The programme was chaired by Pi R. Lalhmingliani, Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Lunglei, who explained that National Deworming Day is conducted twice a year across India to protect children and adolescents aged 1–19 years from intestinal worm infections.

Pu Micky R. Lalenkawla, District Education Officer, Lunglei, gave a PowerPoint presentation on worm infections, their harmful effects on human health and the importance of regular deworming. He stated that taking deworming medication at least twice a year is recommended to prevent worm infestation. He also informed that the Government provides deworming tablets free of cost twice a year to children below 19 years of age. Children below two years are given half a tablet of Albendazole, while those aged 2–19 years are given one tablet.

Pi Vanlalthangi Chhakchhuak, a representative of the MHIP Sub-Headquarters, Lunglei, demonstrated proper handwashing techniques and educated the students on the importance of hand hygiene.

Pu C. Lalhruaitluanga, District Information & Public Relations Officer, Lunglei, along with Pu H. Lalramnghaka, Headmaster, Government Bazar High School, and Pu V. Lalnunsanga, Headmaster, Government Middle School, Bazar Veng, also addressed and encouraged the students. Dr Christina Zonunmawii, District Immunisation Officer, Lunglei, delivered the vote of thanks.

Under the NDD 2026 Second Round, a total target of 44,205 children and adolescents aged 1–19 years has been identified in Lunglei District. Deworming tablets are being administered through government and private schools as well as Anganwadi Centres. On Monday, tablets were distributed at schools, colleges and Anganwadi Centres across the district, while ASHA workers visited the homes of children who were not attending school to administer the tablets.

A Mop-Up Day has been scheduled for 17 August 2026 to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries who could not receive the deworming tablet on the main NDD date are covered.