Under the National Deworming Day (NDD) programme, which anthelminthic is administered to all children aged 1–19 years?
- A Mebendazole 500 mg single dose
- B Albendazole 400 mg single dose (200 mg for 1–2 year olds) ✓
- C Levamisole 2.5 mg/kg body weight
- D Ivermectin 200 mcg/kg body weight
Correct answer: B. Albendazole 400 mg single dose (200 mg for 1–2 year olds)
Explanation
India's National Deworming Day administers albendazole 400 mg single oral dose to children aged 2–19 years and 200 mg to children aged 1–2 years, twice yearly (February and August). Albendazole is effective against soil-transmitted helminths (Ascaris, Trichuris, hookworm). It does not require prior fasting or diagnosis; population-based preventive chemotherapy is the WHO strategy for STH control.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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