Once treatment areas are identified through mapping, the quantity of drugs needed for the program can be estimated using dosage guidelines (see table below) along with data on the school-age population in those areas. If using data on school enrollment, include an extra 25% for out-of-school children and younger siblings who will be encouraged to attend deworming day.

Stages of planning when arranging the procurement and distribution of drugs

1. Determine and follow existing government procedures for drug importation and adhere to any procurement policies or regulations. Procurement procedures may also be determined by donor regulations and conditions.
2. Any drugs imported should be quality assured by the relevant agency and will need to be on the approved pharmaceutical list or on the list of essential medicines and drugs.
3. Should drug donations be needed, many organizations may be able to supply the drugs. Deworm The World may be able to assist with procurement for government programs.
4. Determine the storage and shipping address for drugs; a ‘consignee’ must be nominated as responsible for receipt. Many government agencies have storage and distribution facilities or if more expedient an alternative can be sought.
5. Specify who will bear the costs for shipping and delivery of drugs.
6. Arrange procurement and importation in a timely manner, to allow for clearance in accordance with program timelines for drug verification, repackaging (if needed) and distribution. If praziquantel treatment is being administered, tablet poles should be procured or produced for distribution with drugs.
7. Prior to distribution, consider the number of tablets per container. Either small containers should be ordered or drugs should be repackaged to enable distribution to schools in appropriate quantities.
8. Drug distribution typically occurs via the teacher training cascade, to maximize efficiency and ensure that teachers leave training equipped with both the knowledge and materials to administer treatment.
9. Distribution to schools should occur close to deworming day, and distribution plans should include return of unused drugs to central stores soon after deworming.

Available drugs with dosages for mass school-based deworming