According to UNICEF press release, within the event over 900,000 children at the age between 6 and eleven in Ferghana Valley will receive tablets against helminthes (various intestinal worms, which harm children organism).

The Week of Hygiene and Dehelmintization is organized by the Ministry of Healthcare and Ministry of Public Education at the assistance of the UNICEF and World Health Organization (WHO). Administrations of Andijan, Namangan and Ferghana regions are assisting to organize the event in places.

During the week, students of schools and lyceums will receive information on prevention of helminthes and hygiene practices. The flyers for children and adults, banners and posters, TV and radio reels, as well as other materials were developed to support the campaign.

At the preparation stage, employees of the sanitary-epidemiologic service at district and regional level underwent special trainings.

Representatives of Ferghana regional administration, UNICEF, Public Education Department and sanitary-epidemiologic service participated at the opening ceremony.

Jean-Michel Delmotte, head of the UNICEF office in Uzbekistan, said that this important initiative is result of joint work of several ministries and international organization and it is based on research, which was held earlier this year.

According to this research, about 75% of children at the age of 6 and 11 are suffering from helminthes, which negatively impact their health, development and education. He said that micronutrient insufficiency, which occurs in the result of helminthes, results in weakening of memory and other health abnormalities.

Delmotte said that Mebendazole medicament, which will receive all children in Ferghana Valley, is very effective, but he added that formation of correct hygienic skills is main way to prevent helminthes.