De-worming campaign launched among Northern children

COLOMBO, (AP) - Thousands of children lined up at schools and health centres in northern Sri Lanka on Wednesday to receive de-worming medicine that kills the sometimes deadly parasites and protects against new infection, the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) said.

The de-worming project, funded by the Australian Government's overseas aid arm AUSAID, targets about 30,000 refugee children in the Mannar district, said Qasim Sufi, an IOM official. "The risks of worms should not be underestimated, with as many as 150,000 children dying worldwide each year from intestinal obstructions and other abdominal complications caused by large adult worms,'' Sufi said.

The parasites can cause anaemia and dysentery, while serious cases can result in malnutrition, stunted growth, delayed puberty, or death.

It is not uncommon for children in developing countries to carry up to 1,000 hookworms, roundworms and whipworms - they can pick up hookworms by walking barefoot, and can ingest roundworm eggs by putting dirty fingers into their mouths.

A single dose of de-worming medication kills all parasites in the recipient's body and protects against possible infection for another year, he said. Mannar is home to thousands of refugees who fled to India during Sri Lanka's 19-year civil war who have returned since a ceasefire is in force. The IOM is involved in the humane management of migration issues around the world.