The Ministry of Health has received three million doses of Albendazole, a medicine used to treat intestinal worm infections, in a move aimed at strengthening Uganda’s national child deworming programme.
The consignment was officially received by the Director General of Health Services, Dr Charles Olaro, who said the donation will complement government efforts to protect children from diseases caused by worm infestations.
“Many children across the country continue to suffer from worm infestations. Government has continued to invest significant resources in procuring deworming medicines, and this donation will greatly strengthen the national deworming programme,” Dr Olaro said.
He said the Ministry is working with partners to ensure the medicine is distributed across the country and reaches eligible children through existing health programmes.
The donation was made by Johnson & Johnson in partnership with Children Without Worms, as part of broader efforts to improve child health and nutrition.
Speaking during the handover, Dr. Sarah Karamagi said deworming remains an important component of routine child healthcare and that the contribution demonstrates continued support for government health interventions.
“Although the three million doses are a significant contribution, Uganda requires about 11 million doses to reach all eligible children. Every child should be dewormed once every six months because intestinal worms can lead to serious health problems, including anaemia and poor growth,” Dr Karamagi said.
She explained that intestinal worms affect children’s ability to absorb nutrients, increasing the risk of malnutrition and slowing healthy growth and development.
Dr. Karamagi urged parents and caregivers to ensure children receive regular deworming treatment in accordance with national health guidelines.
Health officials said the additional Albendazole doses will help expand access to deworming services and contribute to improved health outcomes among children across Uganda.
The Ministry of Health has continued to implement mass drug administration campaigns targeting children in areas where intestinal worm infections remain prevalent, as part of efforts to reduce the burden of neglected tropical diseases.
