Building on the success of the pilot program in Andhra Pradesh, the Government of Delhi launched a school-based deworming program throughout the National Capital Territory on February 21st targeting 3.6 million preschool and school-age children across public schools and urban slums in at-risk areas. The Delhi School-based Deworming Program is led by the Directorate of Health Services, Directorate of Education, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Women & Child Development.
| “The evidence on the benefits of school-based deworming is compelling. Great planning preceded the implementation of the school-based mass deworming through Delhi government schools and in all areas where worms has been a problem. The Ministries of Health and Education have worked closely together to make this happen." – Hon. Prof. Kiran Walia, Health Minister of the National Capital Territory of Delhi |
DtW Support for Delhi
DtW advocated for school-based deworming in Delhi, and supported the government in undertaking a prevalence survey and determining a treatment strategy. DtW is currently providing technical and operational support throughout the program as well as coordinating strategic support to leverage program resources, including catalytic investments in prevalence surveying and drug shipments, to launch this program. Funding for DtW's technical assistance is provided by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
For more information on the program which was officially launched on February 21st, 2012 see the page on
Mass School-Based Deworming launched in Delhi.
Read an on the ground account of the deworming program from DtW's Communications Advisor in Delhi, Sushma Ramachandran
Report from the field: Delhi deworming launch event
Read various news articles on the launch of the deworming program:
BBC Asia: Millions of Children In Indian Capital To Be Dewormed
The Hindustan Times: School Based Deworming Program To Be Launched In Delhi
Michael and Susan Dell Foundation: Deworming In Delhi A Funder's Perspective
The Times of India: Worms eating into productivity, well-being of EWS children.
Jagran Post: Sheila Dikshit launches major drive for deworming kids.
Deccan Herald: Government schools undertake deworming exercise.
The Indian Express: Deworming drive to cover over 30 lakh school kids.
Health India: Government schools to battle stomach worms.
The Asian Age: CM launches deworming drive for kids.