SMC implemented a two-day nationwide deworming campaign on August 20-21, 2023, with an aim to increase awareness about soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infection. Mr. Toslim Uddin Khan, MD & CEO of SMC, officially launched the campaign at Asad Pharmacy, a Blue Star outlet located at Hat Ramchandrapur, Paba, Rajshahi. 

In addition to increase awareness about the STH infection, the objective was also to promote SMC's affordable deworming tablet, Vermicid (Albendazole 400 mg) which can protect families from worm infections. For the greater benefit of the society and mass people, SMC's field operation team is working relentlessly to increase outlet coverage to make Vermicid more available and accessible across the country. As a part of the campaign, SMC's field team has tirelessly worked and reached to thousands of outlets to ensure greater accessibility of Vermicid. 

The campaign got significant media attention, being covered by prominent private TV channels of the country and local media too. During his conversation to the media, Mr. Khan addressed the campaign's objective and its critical role in public health. He emphasized that STH infections remain prevalent on a global scale, affecting almost 1.5 billion people, which is 24% of the world's population. He also emphasized that STH infections remain a substantial public health challenge in Bangladesh, negatively impacting the growth and development of children and linked to malnutrition. Mr. Khan informed that SMC has organized this campaign as a part of its nutritional life cycle activities. 

This campaign was SMC's one of the most extensive public health initiatives, reaching a large portion of the population nationwide through the active involvement of its Blue Star Network providers and non-network pharmacies. During this campaign, a total of 3.85 million Vermicid tablets were distributed through 14,129 outlets across the country. 

Kazi Amirul Hoque, DMD-Commercial, SMC EL and Mr. C N Mandal, GM-Sales, SMC EL along with other high officials were also present in the launching program of the campaign.

Source: Newsletter-46 (July-September), 2023