The Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Education (DepEd) continue their nationwide deworming program in public schools despite a recent incident where an 8-year-old student died after consuming a laxative at his school in Trece Martires, Cavite.

The DOH launched 'Oplan Goodbye Bulate' in 2015, aiming to deworm 16 million students in 38,656 schools, recognized as the largest deworming campaign globally.Deworming targets intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms, which can cause malnutrition, anemia, and weakened immunity.Medications such as albendazole and mebendazole are used, with dosages based on age.While side effects are rare, long-term use may lead to liver toxicity or blood disorders.

The DOH assures the safety of the program, emphasizing that benefits outweigh risks, even after the recent incident involving albendazole-linked septic shock.Seven students at the affected school experienced side effects, but the DOH maintains the drug does not cause infections.Parents are urged to consult healthcare providers before administering deworming medication.