SMC’s Vermicid (Albendazole 400 mg) is a deworming tablet that has a huge public health value in reducing the burden of worms caused by soil-transmitted helminth infections. Vermicid is a chewable tablet with mango and orange flavor which is currently available at all pharma outlets including blue star and green star outlets under SMC’s health networks across the country.
Soil-transmitted helminthes (STH) infections are among the most common infections in humans, caused by a group of parasites commonly known as intestinal worms. In Bangladesh, the prevalence of STH is 12% among children (DGHS, Bulletin 2018). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic worm infections have been linked to stunted growth, slowed intellectual development, attention deficit and learning disabilities of children by causing chronic internal bleeding which can lead to loss of iron and anaemia, intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, vomiting and mal-absorption of nutrients. It also reduces work capacity, productivity of adults and Increases maternal and fetal morbidity.Preventive deworming, using biannual a single-dose Albendazole (400 mg) is recommended as a public health intervention for children over 12 months and adults, non-pregnant adolescent girls and women of reproductive age in order to reduce the worm burden of soil-transmitted helminth infection.
Considering the magnitude of the problem and public value of deworming, SMC added this new product in its portfolio this year branded as Vermicid (Albendazole 400 mg) targeting all family members including children above 2 years of age to treat soil transmitted helminth infections. This product will greatly contribute to the national public health program of the country.Biannual administration is recommended with 400 mgAlbendazole where a half-dose (i.e. 200 mg) is recommended for the children aged 12-24 months.
