Pax Earth recently conducted a small health research to identify the presence of parasites on the children below 15 years of age with a technical support of Kantipur College of Medical Science, Sitapaila, Kathmandu. In this research, stool samples of 151 students of four schools in Kathmandu valley were collected and tested. The general objective of our study was to enhance knowledge on health and sanitation. The specific objectives of the study were:
- To aware the public, particularly children and their parents, about the parasites, its infection and consequences.
- To screening the parasite infected children without any symptoms.
- To distribute the medicine for positive children.
On March 6, 2014, we collected stool samples of 53 students from Pragati School, Kupondol, Lalitpur and 18 students from Sharada Higher Secondary School, Kalimatidol, Kathmandu. Similarly, on March 7, 2014, we collected stool samples of 62 students from Mahendra Adarsha School, Satdobato, Kathmandu and 18 students from Nabajyoti School, Chittapol, Bhaktapur. Out of 151, 34 (22.5%) students were found to have infected with parasites. These infected children were comprised of 16 from Pragati School, 6 from Sharada Higher Secondary School, 4 from Nabajyoti School and 8 from Mahendra Adarsha School. We distributed medicine for the parasites infected children during March 26 to 30, 2014.
The whole research was coordinated by PEN Executive Member Kamala Basnet and actively supported by President Sujan Koirala, Member Kapil Deuja, Executive Committee Members: Laxman B. Pahari and Manohar Sapkota. Similarly, Sr. Health Research Officer Sarmila Tandukar and Health Research Officer Anisha Shrestha of Institute of Medicine (IoM) provided the needed technical support.
Since this was our first attempt, we collected only a few samples. If we get similar technical support and cooperation, we will continue to aware children on such health and sanitation issues by conducting similar researches in future.
Thanksgiving
Pax Earth would like to thank Kantipur College of Medical Science for their technical support in conducting the research. Pax Earth is grateful to Sharmila Tandukar and Anisha Shrestha of IoM for their support and cooperation. Pax Earth expresses gratitude to the Principals and teachers of Pragati School, Sharada Higher Secondary School, Mahendra Adarsha School and Nabajyoti School for their cooperation. Executive Member Kamala Basnet deserves a special thank for her initiative. Pax Earth must thank President Sujan Koirala, Member Kapil Deuja, Executive Members: Laxman B. Pahari and Manohar Sapkota for their active support.
Reported by PEN Secretariat!!!
