The Department of Health (DOH) issued a formal appeal to the public on Thursday, July 16, 2026, urging continued support for the national deworming program despite growing concerns following the untimely death of a Grade 4 student. In the wake of reports concerning the passing of a learner from Hugo Perez Elementary School-Annex in Trece Martires City, Cavite, the agency emphasized that the program remains a vital, evidence-based intervention. The DOH cautioned against the spread of misinformation, which they fear could jeopardize public health initiatives if parents are deterred from protecting their children against soil-transmitted helminthiasis.
Central to the health department’s message is the safety profile of Albendazole, the medication utilized in the nationwide campaign. According to the DOH, this specific drug has been a cornerstone of the country’s public health strategy for nearly thirty years and carries the seal of approval from the World Health Organization. Officials underscored that the medication is generally well-tolerated by the pediatric population, maintaining that the long-term benefits of the program far outweigh the risks associated with the rare occurrence of adverse reactions.
Addressing the potential for physical discomfort, the DOH clarified that mild side effects, including stomach pain, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or skin rashes, can occur in some children following the administration of the medicine. These reactions are typically categorized as temporary and manageable if addressed with proper medical guidance. To mitigate risks, the department has reiterated its directive to local government units and frontline health workers to strictly adhere to established safety protocols during both school-based and community-based deworming activities.
The tragedy in Cavite has prompted swift action from authorities, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) launching a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death. Officials are currently conducting a range of examinations to determine if there is a causal link between the medical activity and the child’s passing. As the probe continues, the Trece Martires City Police Station has explicitly warned the public against jumping to premature conclusions, emphasizing that factual evidence is required before any definitive statements can be made.
In the meantime, the Department of Education has urged the public to remain calm and to respect the ongoing investigative process. Recognizing the potential for public anxiety to spiral on social media, officials from both the health and education sectors are working in tandem to temper public panic. The agencies noted that the dissemination of unverified reports not only causes unnecessary distress to families but also interferes with the integrity of the investigation, potentially obscuring the truth rather than clarifying it.
Ultimately, the DOH concluded its briefing by reminding citizens to rely exclusively on official, verified channels for updates regarding the incident. By reinforcing the importance of empirical data over hearsay, the government hopes to maintain the public’s trust in essential health services. As the school community in Trece Martires reels from the loss, health authorities remain steadfast in their mission to provide child-based health protections, insisting that the national deworming program remains a safe and necessary practice for the welfare of the youth.