The sensitization on Soil Transmitted helminths, the target which is the kindergarten, nursery and primary pupils was carried out in Gladcee Private School, No.53 Jagaba Street, U/Gimbia, sabon Tasha, Kaduna on 4/10/2018. The sensitization was to educate the children on

• What is soil transmitted helminths
• the effect of soil transmitted helminths
• the method of preventing soil transmitted helminths.

It focuses on the most common ways children get soil transmitted helminths (worms), which include threadworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms and whipworms. This worms thrive in any soil that is dirty and damp. Children can get infected from walking barefoot on infected soil, from unclean hands or playing with moist soil.

The effect which include:

• the worms feeding on host tissues, including blood, which lead to a loss of iron and protein
• hookworm cause chronic intestinal blood loss that can result in anemia.
• Worms consume the nutrients and vitamin in the body which lead to malnutrition and low weight. Infected children became vulnerable to illness and their immune system damaged.

Some of the ways we can prevent this soil transmitted helminths include:

• Clean house and surroundings often and well with a good disinfectant.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly in clean water before eating
• Children should play in a clean and dry environment
• Wash hands with soap and water before food and after using the toilet.
• Cut our fingers regularly
• Children should always put on their slippers

Questions were asked by some of the pupils and answers were given accordingly

• How do worms get into the body?
• How do worms hatch their eggs?
• Can a life worm come out of our body?
• What will happen if we just eat our food without washing our hand?

There were about 53 pupils and 8 teachers present at the time of the sensitization.