Many children in India are at risk of worm infections, even if they look healthy from the outside. These tiny worms live in the intestines and quietly steal nutrients that children need to grow, learn, and stay active.
When worms are not treated, they can cause weakness, tiredness, anaemia (low blood levels) and more. To protect children from these hidden dangers, the Government of India started National Deworming Day in 2015. On this day, free and safe deworming tablets are given to children through schools and Anganwadi centres.
This is a reminder for parents to send their children to school or local Anganwadi centres on February 10, 2026, to receive the free deworming tablet.
History of Deworming Day
Union Health Minister Shri J. P. Nadda officially launched the programme in Gurugram, Haryana, in February 2015. The first round covered 11 states and Union Territories, reaching nearly 8.98 crore children.
Encouraged by the success of this initial phase, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) directed that National Deworming Day (NDD) be observed across all 36 States and Union Territories. To effectively tackle the widespread burden of Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH), the programme was expanded into a biannual initiative, conducted every February and August.
By February 2019, the programme reached over 22 crore children in a single round, making it one of the largest public health campaigns in the country. This nationwide effort is driven by close collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and the Ministry of Education, with the goal of reaching every child, irrespective of socio-economic background, through schools and Anganwadi centres.
National Deworming Day 2026 Theme
Themes play a vital role in public health initiatives like National Deworming Day (NDD) by transforming a routine medical procedure into a focused, high-impact campaign. As of January 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has not announced a specific theme for National Deworming Day 2026. This is normal, as the official theme is usually released closer to the event.
Traditionally, the programme continues to reflect its core mission of building a “Krimi Mukt Bharat” (Worm-Free India). For instance, the 2025 theme focused on “Eliminate STH: Invest in a healthier future for children”, and similar messaging around child health, nutrition, and prevention is expected to guide the 2026 observance as well.
Common Types of Intestinal Worms
Most intestinal worm infections spread through poor hygiene and contaminated soil or food. Regular deworming, handwashing, wearing footwear, and clean food habits together keep children protected. Here is how each type of intestinal worm differs from each other:
Type of Worm | Common Source of Infection | Most Affected Age Group | Key Symptoms | Health Impact | Recovery & Treatment |
Roundworms (Ascaris) | Eating food or drinking water contaminated with worm eggs from soil | Children 2–14 years | Belly pain, bloating, poor appetite, coughing, visible worms in stool | Poor nutrition, slow growth, learning difficulties | Easily treated with deworming tablets; recovery is fast when treated early |
Hookworms | Walking barefoot on contaminated soil; larvae enter through skin | School-age children, adolescents | Fatigue, pale skin, stomach pain, itching at entry site | Anaemia, weakness, delayed physical growth | Responds well to deworming medicines and iron supplements if needed |
Whipworms (Trichuris) | Swallowing eggs from contaminated soil, unwashed vegetables | Children 5–15 years | Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss, rectal discomfort | Malnutrition, poor growth, reduced concentration | Regular deworming helps; severe cases may need repeated treatment |
Threadworms (Pinworms) | Poor hand hygiene; eggs spread via fingers, clothes, bedding | Young children (2–10 years) | Intense itching around anus, disturbed sleep, irritability | Sleep problems, discomfort, poor attention | Easily treated; entire family may need medication to prevent reinfection |
Who is at Risk of Worm Infections?
Worm infections can affect anyone, but children are the most vulnerable. The risk is higher for:
- Young children and school-going kids (1–14 years), as they often play on the ground and may forget proper handwashing
- Children living in areas with poor sanitation or open defecation
- Kids who walk barefoot, especially in soil-contaminated areas
- Children who eat unwashed fruits or vegetables or drink unsafe water
- Families in overcrowded or low-resource settings, where hygiene facilities are limited
- Children who do not receive regular deworming tablets
Because worm infections often show mild or no symptoms at first, many parents may not realize their child is affected. This is why routine deworming and good hygiene habits are essential to keep children healthy and growing well.
Symptoms of Worm Infections
Worm infections in children often develop slowly and may not be obvious at first. Common symptoms include:
- Stomach pain, bloating, or frequent diarrhoea
- Poor appetite or sudden weight loss
- Tiredness, weakness, or low energy levels
- Itching around the anus, especially at night
- Poor growth or delayed physical development
- Difficulty concentrating or reduced school performance
- Disturbed sleep or irritability
If left untreated, worm infections can quietly affect a child’s nutrition, immunity, and overall development. Regular deworming and early attention to these symptoms help prevent long-term health problems.
Importance of Deworming in Children
Deworming plays a vital role in protecting a child’s overall health and development. Intestinal worms steal essential nutrients from the body, which can affect growth, energy levels, and learning ability.
Regular deworming helps:
- Improve nutrient absorption and appetite
- Prevent anaemia and malnutrition
- Support healthy physical growth and weight gain
- Boost concentration and school performance
- Reduce frequent stomach problems and infections
- Strengthen immunity and overall well-being
Many worm infections show no early symptoms, making preventive deworming especially important. When combined with good hygiene, safe food, and clean water, deworming ensures children grow healthier, stronger, and more active—building a better future for them.
Prevention of Worm Infections
Worm infections are common but largely preventable with simple daily habits and regular care. Parents and caregivers can protect children by following these steps:
- Ensure children wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet
- Encourage wearing footwear outdoors to avoid contact with contaminated soil
- Serve freshly cooked food and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Make sure children drink clean, safe water
- Keep nails short and clean to prevent the spread of worm eggs
- Maintain clean toilets and proper sanitation at home and school
- Participate in National Deworming Day and give deworming tablets regularly
Together, good hygiene and routine deworming form the strongest defense against worm infections, helping children stay healthy, active, and well-nourished.
Deworming Treatment and Medications
Deworming treatment is simple, safe, and effective when taken as recommended. It helps remove intestinal worms and prevents related health problems in children.
Common deworming medicines include:
These medicines work by killing or disabling worms so they can be passed out of the body naturally. They are usually given as a single dose or short course, depending on the type of worm infection.
Key points parents should know:
- Deworming tablets are safe for children when taken under guidance
- Mild side effects like nausea or stomach discomfort are rare and temporary
- Regular deworming helps prevent reinfection, especially in high-risk areas
- Under National Deworming Day, medicines are provided free of cost at schools and Anganwadi centres
When combined with good hygiene and sanitation, deworming treatment ensures better growth, improved nutrition, and overall well-being for children.
How Artemis Hospitals Supports Deworming Awareness & Child Health?
Strong Focus on Child Health & Paediatric Care
Artemis Hospitals offers comprehensive paediatric services, including preventive health check-ups, nutritional counselling, growth monitoring, and treatment of childhood illnesses. This helps detect and manage conditions related to poor nutrition and infections, which often include worm-related health issues.
Community Health & Hygiene Awareness Through CSR Initiatives
Through the Artemis Health Sciences Foundation (AHSF) and its CSR efforts, the hospital runs health and hygiene awareness programmes, including sanitation and nutrition education that indirectly supports prevention of intestinal infections like worms.
Health Camps & Outreach in Underserved Areas
Artemis participates in mobile health camps and screening activities (e.g., through partnerships like Aarogyarise), where communities receive health check-ups, counselling, and information on hygiene and disease prevention. These outreach efforts help spread awareness about infections and healthy habits.
Integrated Preventive Health Focus
While specific “deworming campaigns” by Artemis aren’t widely reported, its larger child health ecosystem—paediatric care, nutrition support, hygiene education, and community health campaigns—supports the same goals as National Deworming Day: reducing infections, improving nutrition, and promoting healthy growth.
Article by Dr. Amit Sharma
Consultant (Preventive Health Checks & Internal Medicine)
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is February 10th National Deworming Day?
Yes. February 10 is observed as National Deworming Day in India, when free deworming tablets are given to children through schools and Anganwadi centres.
What is the full form of NDD 2025?
NDD stands for National Deworming Day, a government-led programme aimed at protecting children from intestinal worm infections and related health problems.
When is the second round of National Deworming Day?
The second round of National Deworming Day is conducted on August 10 to ensure regular protection against worm infections throughout the year.
Is deworming caused by spoilt food?
Not directly. Worm infections are usually caused by poor hygiene, contaminated soil or water, and unwashed fruits or vegetables, not just spoilt food.
How to change eating habits to avoid deworming?
Encourage handwashing before meals, eat freshly cooked food, wash fruits and vegetables well, and drink safe water to reduce the risk of worm infections.
What is the slogan for National Deworming Day?
National Deworming Day follows the mission of “Krimi Mukt Bharat” (Worm-Free India), focusing on protecting children’s health, nutrition, and overall development.
When is National Deworming Day celebrated in India?
It is observed twice every year—on 10 February and 10 August—across all States and Union Territories.
What types of worms are targeted during deworming programmes?
The programme mainly targets soil-transmitted helminths, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and threadworms.
Who should receive deworming medication?
All children and adolescents aged 1–19 years should receive deworming tablets, even if they do not show visible symptoms.
How often should deworming be done?
In high-risk areas like India, deworming is recommended twice a year to prevent reinfection and long-term health issues.
What medicines are used for deworming?
The most commonly used medicines are Albendazole and Mebendazole, which are safe, effective, and doctor-recommended.
Are there any side effects of deworming tablets?
Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as nausea or stomach discomfort. Serious side effects are very rare.
Can adults also need deworming treatment?
Yes. Adults may need deworming if advised by a doctor, especially in cases of symptoms, poor hygiene exposure, or high-risk living conditions.
Which hospital provides deworming services near me?
Most multi-specialty hospitals with paediatric departments provide deworming services. In Gurgaon, reputed hospitals offer consultation and treatment.
Can I consult a paediatrician near me for deworming advice?
Yes. A paediatrician can guide you on deworming schedules, medicines, dosage, and preventive hygiene practices for your child.
Which is the best paediatric hospital near me in Gurgaon?
Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, is widely trusted for comprehensive paediatric care, preventive health guidance, and expert consultation for child wellness, including deworming advice.
