DOH Defends National Deworming Program Amid Misinformation Following Cavite Student’s Death
Courtesy: Department of Health (Philippines)
The Department of Health (DOH) issued a strong warning to the public against a surge of online misinformation targeting its national deworming campaign.
Health officials reiterated that the mass drug administration program remains "safe, proven, and effective" in shielding Filipino children from the debilitating effects of intestinal worm infections.
Debunking False Claims
The DOH issued the statement following a wave of unverified claims circulating on social media platforms. These false reports have caused unnecessary panic among parents, leading to increased vaccine and medicine hesitancy in several communities.
The agency stressed that the medicines used in the program undergo strict regulatory review and quality control. Millions of children across the country have safely received the treatment over the past decade without serious complications.
Protecting Children’s Health
According to public health experts, untreated intestinal worm infections—or soil-transmitted helminthiasis—can cause severe health issues in growing children. These include:
- Malnutrition and poor nutrient absorption
- Anemia leading to constant fatigue
- Stunted growth and physical development delays
- Poor school performance due to cognitive impairment
Call to Action for Parents
The department advised the public to rely exclusively on official DOH channels, local health centers, and verified medical professionals for health-related information.
Free deworming tablets will continue to be distributed nationwide through public schools and community health centers. Parents are encouraged to coordinate with their local health workers to ensure their children receive the scheduled doses safely.
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