63,000 students have worms

PURWAKARTA, West Java: About 63,000, or 90 percent, of students in the regency have worms slithering in their intestines, official statistics show.

A statement released yesterday by the local health office said the health problem stems from a lack of personal cleanliness, especially in rural areas.

The government has distributed free medicines, hoping all students will get them by the end of December, Antara reported. It has made available Rp 60 million (US25.500) for the anti-worm program.

The regency government has been renovating 3,000 houses of people living in absolute poverty. (pan)