Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2010-0023)
The main purpose is to provide guidelines on deworming drug administration and the management of adverse events following deworming (AEFD) to ensure safe and effective implementation of the mass deworming program in the Philippines.
Eligible populations include preschool children (1-5 years old), school children (6-12 years old), women of childbearing age including pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and lactating women, and high-risk adults such as food handlers, farmers, miners, soldiers, and Indigenous peoples.
The recommended drugs are Albendazole 400 mg chewable flavored tablet and Mebendazole 500 mg chewable flavored tablet, both listed in the Philippine National Drug Formulary and endorsed by the WHO.
Albendazole dosage for children aged 12 to 24 months is 200 mg (or 1/2 tablet of 400 mg) given every 6 months.
Precautions include informing clients or caregivers about possible adverse reactions, ensuring health personnel are aware of the deworming activity, availability of support drugs at health facilities, and refraining from giving deworming drugs to seriously ill individuals, those with abdominal pain, diarrhea, hypersensitivity to the drug, or severely malnourished individuals.
Minor adverse reactions such as local sensitivity, mild abdominal pain, and diarrhea may be managed with antihistamines, antispasmodics, and oral rehydrating solutions respectively. Persistent or serious reactions require consultation with a doctor and reporting to the AEFD team.
An SAE is an adverse experience following treatment that results in death, life-threatening condition, hospitalization or prolonged hospitalization, significant disability/incapacity, congenital anomaly, cancer, or overdose.
The municipal AEFD team includes the Municipal Health Officer, Municipal Epidemiology Surveillance Officer (if available), STH Coordinator, and DOH representative.
AEFD should be reported immediately if serious. A specific AEFD reporting form must be filled out and forwarded to the relevant offices. The AEFD team at each level investigates, assesses, and recommends action. Severe cases are referred to higher levels if needed.
The Integrated Helminth Control Program shall sub-allocate PhP 50,000 annually to each Centers for Health Development (CHD) to help defray expenses related to AEFD during deworming. If no AEFD incident occurs, funds may be used for other STH activities.
The order applies to all national, regional, and local offices and stakeholders involved in the DOH deworming program.
Mass deworming is the administration of deworming drugs to an entire group without prior diagnosis to eliminate intestinal parasites. Preventive chemotherapy is the use of anthelminthic drugs as a public health tool against helminth infections.
Preschool children are those between the ages of 1 and 5 years who are not yet attending school but may be in daycare centers.
Government hospitals ensure treatment of referrals related to AEFD and report AEFD cases to MESU/PESU/RESU.
The order takes effect immediately upon issuance.