Bhubaneswar: Health and Family Welfare department is rolling out a mass drug administration (MDA) programme from February 10 till 19 for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in seven endemic districts of the state, informed an official here, Tuesday. The districts include Bolangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Cuttack, Kandhamal, Khurda and Nayagarh. As part of the programme, to create awareness about the significance of anti-filaria medication, the department organised a state-level media sensitisation workshop in collaboration with Global Health Strategies.
Speaking at the workshop, special secretary of Public Health Snehalata Sahu said, “During MDA round, It will be ensured that everyone except children below two years, pregnant women and seriously ill people must consume the prescribed dosage in presence of trained volunteers and health workers.” Sahu stressed that community participation will be extremely crucial for the success of the programme and media can play a pivotal role in creating awareness around Filaria and its prevention. Public health director Niranjan Mishra said that Filaria is a serious public health problem which spreads by mosquito bites. “Filariasis damages the lymphatic system and if left untreated, causes abnormal swelling of body parts which is irreversible. The condition affects livelihoods, opportunities and working capacity of affected persons and they often become victims to social stigma,” he said.
He further mentioned that during the MDA, around 46 lakh people will be reached by trained volunteers and workers through booth and house to house visits. On the occasion, Shubhashisha Mohanty, joint director cum state program officer of Vector Borne Diseases said, “From the 7 endemic districts, three type of anti-filaria drugs (Ivermectin, DEC, Albendazole) will be administered in three districts namely Bolangir, Kalahandi and Rayagada while two drugs (DEC and Albendazole) will be administered in four districts namely Cuttack, Kandhamal, Khurda and Nayagarh.”
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
