When is the biannual National Deworming Day observed in India?

Appeared in: NORCERT 8 Mains-2025

Explanation

The Government of India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare established the National Deworming Day (NDD) as a fixed-day, biannual event.
The program is consistently held on February 10th and August 10th each year.
This strategy ensures synchronized, nationwide administration of deworming medication (Albendazole) to all children and adolescents aged 1-19.
The goal is to combat Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections, which are a significant cause of anemia, malnutrition, and impaired development in children.

Option A: These dates are not associated with the National Deworming Day program. The program follows a fixed schedule in February and August.
Option C: While biannual, these dates in May and December are not the correct ones for the National Deworming Day initiative.
Option D: These dates are incorrect. The National Deworming Day is specifically scheduled for February and August.

Visual 1: Infographic: A calendar highlighting February 10th and August 10th as National Deworming Day, with icons representing the target age group (1-19 years), the Albendazole tablet, and benefits like improved health and school attendance.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain National Health Programs in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses, Anganwadi workers, and ASHA workers are pivotal in the successful implementation of NDD by ensuring medication administration, maintaining records, and educating the community about hygiene.
Controlling STH infections is crucial for public health as it directly reduces rates of anemia and malnutrition, leading to better physical growth, cognitive development, and school performance among children.
What if? A child is sick with fever on National Deworming Day. The nurse or health worker should advise the parent to not give the tablet on that day and instead bring the child on the designated 'mop-up day' (usually a few days later) to receive their dose once they have recovered.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about a major national health program in India.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'National Deworming Day' and 'biannual'.
Recall or look for the specific, fixed dates associated with this program.
The term 'biannual' confirms you need to find a pair of dates.
Evaluate the options to find the pair that matches the official schedule (February 10 and August 10).
Eliminate the other options as they are incorrect dates for this specific program.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCERT 8 Mains-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.