One dose for a stronger future

A dose of deworming for better health, energy and focus

One by one, students at the Alberto Lovera School step forward. Each child accepts a small pink tablet, pops it into their mouth, and washes it down with a glass of water.

Most kids I know resist any attempt to give them medicine. These kids seem more than pleased.

“It’s pink,” says Aranza. “It tastes like a strawberry. I feel happy.”

So far, 1,000 students at this school in Venezuela’s Delta Anacuro region have received tablets to defend against intestinal parasites. And the teachers will tell you—they’re seeing a change.

A common childhood illness can cause serious complications

Children getting intestinal parasites, what we often call “ worms, ” is not a unique problem. It’s common for people to contract intestinal worms in Canada and everywhere else in the world—but especially children, who love to touch everything and are still getting the hang of basic hygiene habits like handwashing.

The difference, however, comes in the accessibility of treatment. Like other easily treated illnesses, such as diarrhea, worms are not often a problem for families in Canada. Parents can easily go to a pharmacy and purchase tablets for a quick, effective resolution.

However, for many families in impoverished communities, a well-stocked pharmacy or money for medication may be out of reach. And when a worm infection is left untreated, this common health problem can have critical effects on a child’s future. Untreated intestinal parasites can cause poor digestion and intestinal problems including diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness and weakness.

Partnering with schools on holistic solutions

In Delta Anacuro, deworming is an important way World Vision is supporting kids’ overall health and development.

“Being dewormed is important because children come (to school) with energy,” says Alberto Lovera School Principal Rosario Marquez. “They don’t come tired. They don’t look exhausted.”

But the program goes beyond parasite prevention, focusing on education, health, nutrition, safety and climate change. We collaborate with amazing local partners, with activities often administered through the schools like Alberto Lovera.

Principal Rosario is a champion of the program, and shares how things have changed for her students.

“Most of the children are from very low-income families and this program has come as the blessing that this educational institution was missing,” says Rosario. “

There's been a 360-degree turn. ”

In the past, Rosario was concerned about low school attendance. At the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, she and her team started doing home visits to see why kids weren’t at school. What did they find? The parents were struggling. They didn’t have money for school uniforms or food to feed their kids breakfast.

Understanding these challenges has helped Rosario and the program address them.

“What can I tell you? We have seen change!” she exclaims. “Now the children come with more dynamism; they come active, they come happy, they don't even want the day to end. I am not lying, they would not even want the day to end, because they are happy with all of the benefits of the program. Their meals, their snacks, their fruits, their juices and health services.

They are really, really happy.”

The joy Rosario sees in her students faces is reflected in her own as she speaks.

“It is a wonderful blessing that support has reached every home, she says. “Working together, educating together, it is so beautiful.”

Principal Rosario is a light in this community and an advocate for children's futures. Partnering with dedicated local individuals like her helps ensure children are healthy and have access to food and health support as they build an educated future.