Effectiveness of Deworming Programs in Maternal and Child Health Week
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Introduction
Soil-transmitted helminth infections continue to pose a major threat to child health in Nigeria, especially in underserved communities. Maternal and Child Health (MNCH) Weeks offer a unique opportunity to deliver deworming interventions alongside other child survival services. However, disparities in coverage and operational execution have raised questions about the effectiveness and equity of such campaigns. This study evaluates the effectiveness of deworming interventions delivered during the June 2025 MNCH Week in Bayelsa State, examining both the reach of Albendazole administration and its balance relative to other services such as vitamin A supplementation.
Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted using secondary data extracted from the MNCH OPS Room Final Report. Data from eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative analysis. Coverage rates were calculated using WHO-recommended formulas, and the performance of deworming was assessed against the estimated target population of 562,254 children. Comparative tables and visualizations were generated to examine distribution disparities and identify systemic implementation gaps.
Results
Findings revealed that only 280,000 children received Albendazole, representing 49% coverage, while vitamin A supplementation reached 391,107 children (approximately 69%). Deworming coverage varied significantly across LGAs, with Yenagoa achieving 62.2% and Southern Ijaw recording only 40.9%. In all LGAs, vitamin A consistently outperformed deworming by an average margin of nearly 20 percentage points. Statewide summaries further revealed that program execution lacked balance, and the integration of services was not reflected in equitable delivery.
Conclusion
The study underscores the need for strategic reforms in how deworming is operationalized during MNCH campaigns. The disparities observed highlight weaknesses in logistics, training emphasis, community engagement, and intervention prioritization. While MNCH Weeks provide an effective delivery platform, deworming remains undervalued and under-implemented. Targeted policy and operational reforms are necessary to ensure that integrated health campaigns fulfill their promise of delivering equitable and comprehensive care to all children, regardless of geography.
