| 1. |
School-aged children are the most prone to worm-related diseases. Studies have shown that 80% to 100% of children attending primary schools in certain areas are infected with worms (helminths). Children living in communities without clean water and proper sanitation are most at risk. In addition, recent research implies that chronic worm infestation could increase the risk of HIV and TB. Worms compete for the food and energy children need to learn and grow. Although children are provided with nutritious food through the National School Nutrition Programme, many of these children also need to be treated for worm infestations. A recent randomised controlled trial using 28,000 children in Uganda, found that with only 2 deworming treatments per annum these children gained up to 10% more weight within that year.
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| 2. |
In May 2001, South Africa endorsed the World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution 54.19, which aims to have 75% to 100% of schoolchildren on a programme of regular school-based deworming by 2010, with treatment rendered mostly by educators.
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| 3. |
The Western Cape Education Department and the Department of Health endorse regular deworming sessions at selected schools, which include:
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| 3.1 |
schools on the National Schools Nutrition Programme, and
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| 3.2 |
schools identified by school health staff or environmental health practitioners of the Department of Health.
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| 4. |
Schools that wish to join the deworming programme may refer to the attached Step by Step Guide to Deworming for more information. (Please note that the guidelines were disseminated by the Department of Health and are available in English only.)
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| 5. |
Schools that join the programme will need to focus on the following three aspects:
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| 5.1 |
Deworming: Deworming tablets will be distributed by school health staff, administered by trained educators to learners whose parents have consented to their being involved in the programme (see Step by Step Guide to Deworming);
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| 5.2 |
Health and Hygiene Education: Health and hygiene education forms an integral part of the deworming programme, and is aimed at preventing the infestation from spreading. It is recommended that educators develop lesson plans to integrate this information in current teaching practice. Learner support material is available for the Foundation and Intermediate Phases. The material can be ordered through the school nurse. Schools are also encouraged to explore strategies to educate the parents and the wider community about worms, e.g. at parent and community meetings, through pamphlets, local newspapers, community radio stations (see Step by Step Guide to Deworming);
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| 5.3 |
Sanitation: The programme should also be complemented with monitoring of the hygiene and sanitation of the school premises to prevent recontamination. Monitoring should include checking that the toilets and washbasins are clean and in working order; that learners have access to soap and toilet paper and that sanitary bins are provided (see School Sanitation Guidelines).
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| 6. |
Please ensure that this information is brought to the attention of all the members of the school governing body, as well as all the staff members.
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SIGNED: MJ THERON
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2009:11:20
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