National Deworming Day 2026 (10 February): Date, Theme, History, Importance & Protecting Children from Worm Infections

When Is National Deworming Day 2026?

National Deworming Day is observed twice every year in India:

• February 10
• August 10

The February round in 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 10, with a mop-up day scheduled a few days later to ensure maximum coverage.

National Deworming Day 2026 Theme

For National Deworming Day, the official theme is usually built around the Government of India’s long-term mission of creating a “Krimi Mukt Bharat” (Worm-Free India) — emphasising child health, worm prevention, and improved nutrition. Although the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) had not released a specific official theme for 2026 at the time of compiling public sources, the campaign is expected to continue reflecting this core mission and messaging from previous years such as: “Eliminate STH – Invest in a healthier future for children.”

👉 So the expected guiding theme for 2026 can be summarized as:

“Krimi Mukt Bharat – Worm-Free Children for a Healthier Future.”

This theme underscores:

• The importance of deworming to protect child health
• Prevention of soil-transmitted helminth infections
• Long-term improvement in nutrition and development
• Community engagement in hygiene and sanitation awareness

What Is Deworming?

Deworming is the process of administering safe, single-dose anti-parasitic medicines to eliminate intestinal worms such as:

• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Whipworms

These worms can cause:

• Anemia
• Malnutrition
• Stunted growth
• Poor cognitive development
• Reduced school attendance and performance

Purpose of National Deworming Day

Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, National Deworming Day aims to:

• Reduce the prevalence of worm infections among children
• Improve nutritional status and immunity
• Support physical and mental development
• Enhance school attendance and learning outcomes
• Build awareness about hygiene and sanitation

The program targets children and adolescents aged 1–19 years.

Who Benefits from National Deworming Day?

• Preschool children (1–5 years)
• School-going children (6–14 years)
• Adolescents (15–19 years)

Medicines are administered through schools, anganwadi centers, and healthcare facilities under trained supervision.

Are Deworming Medicines Safe?

Yes. The medicines used under the program are:

• WHO-recommended
• Safe, cost-effective, and evidence-based
• Given in a single dose
• Administered by trained teachers or health workers

Mild side effects like nausea or dizziness are rare and temporary.

Deworming and Hygiene Go Hand in Hand

While deworming is essential, long-term prevention depends on:

• Regular handwashing with soap
• Wearing footwear
• Drinking safe, clean water
• Using toilets instead of open defecation
• Washing fruits and vegetables properly

Together, these practices help break the cycle of reinfection.

How Can Communities Support National Deworming Day?

• Encourage parents to ensure children participate
• Spread awareness about the benefits of deworming
• Support schools and anganwadi workers
• Promote cleanliness and sanitation practices
• Address myths and fears with accurate information

Community participation is key to the success of the program.

Quotes for National Deworming Day

• “The future of a nation depends on the health of its children.” — Jawaharlal Nehru
• “Health is not valued until sickness comes.” — Thomas Fuller
• “Prevention is better than cure.” — Desiderius Erasmus
• “Children’s health is the foundation of a strong society.” — Gro Harlem Brundtland
• “Public health is a public trust.” — C. Everett Koop
• “Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene are essential for life.” — World Health Organization (WHO)
• “A healthy child today ensures a productive adult tomorrow.” — Unknown
• “Small interventions can create lifelong impact.” — Unknown

Messages for National Deworming Day 2026

• On National Deworming Day 2026, let’s protect our children’s health and future.
• Healthy children grow stronger — support deworming and hygiene today.
• Deworming is a simple step with a powerful impact on child development.
• Together, we can prevent infections and promote healthy growth.
• Let’s spread awareness and ensure every child gets the care they deserve.
• National Deworming Day reminds us that prevention saves lives.
• A worm-free childhood leads to better learning and brighter futures.
• Let’s support schools and health workers in building healthier communities.

Social Media Captions for National Deworming Day 2026

• 🧒 Healthy children, strong nation #NationalDewormingDay2026
• Prevention today, protection for life
• Deworming + hygiene = healthy childhood
• Support child health, support the future
• Small medicine, big impact
• Let’s keep our children worm-free and thriving
• Awareness is the first step to prevention

Poster Ideas for National Deworming Day 2026

• Child Health Focus Poster: Visual: Smiling children with hygiene symbols, Text: “National Deworming Day – February 10, 2026”
• Educational Poster: Visual: Simple worm lifecycle illustration, Text: “Prevent. Protect. Promote Health.”
• School Campaign Poster: Visual: Classroom or anganwadi scene, Text: “Healthy Children Learn Better”
• Hygiene Awareness Poster: Visual: Handwashing and footwear icons, Text: “Clean Habits, Healthy Lives”
• Quote-Based Poster: Visual: Jawaharlal Nehru quote with child imagery

Investing in Health, Investing in the Future

National Deworming Day 2026 is more than a health campaign — it is an investment in children’s growth, education, and future potential. A healthy child learns better, grows stronger, and contributes positively to society.

This February 10, let’s support deworming efforts and take a collective step toward a healthier generation.