Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis

Bhubaneswar :The Department of Health and Family welfare, Government of Odisha, will organize a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) from February 10, 2023 for elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in 10 endemic districts of the state. To this end, a state level media sensitization workshop was organized in Bhubaneswar by the Health department in collaboration with Global Health Strategies. The objective of this workshop was to facilitate comprehensive dissemination of information that highlights the debility caused by Lymphatic Filariasis – to ensure individuals and communities receive accurate information about the seriousness and impact of the disease.

During the workshop, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Special Secretary to Govt., Department of Health and Family Welfare, “During MDA round, It will be ensured that people in these 10 districts must consume anti-filarial drugs in the presence of health workers. Everyone except children below 2 years, pregnant women and seriously ill people must consume the prescribed dosage during the rounds in the presence of trained health workers”. He also stressed that, “Under this programme, the participation of community is extremely crucial.”

Dr. Niranjan Mishra, Director, Public Health, Department of Health and Family Welfare, stated that “Filaria is a serious public health problem which is spread by mosquito bites. Filariasis is one of the leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Commonly acquired in childhood but manifested in adulthood, this infection damages the lymphatic system and if left untreated, causes abnormal swelling of the body parts which is irreversible. People with Filariasis often suffer from manifestations such as Hydrocele (inflammation of the scrotum), lymphoedema (swelling in the limbs) and Chyluria (milky white urine). The condition affects livelihoods, opportunities and working capacity of those suffering from LF and they often become a victim to social stigma. The Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is a key component in addressing the disabling disease, where anti-filaria drugs (DEC and Albendazole) are administered to eligible populations by trained health workers.” Dr. Mishra further spoke about the minor side-effects which is usually rare and Rapid Response Team (RRTs) will be present to tackle any such events. He also mentioned that “Albendazole” is to be chewed and DEC to be swallowed . These medicines should be taken after food.

Dr. Shubhashisha Mohanty, Joint Director cum State Program Officer, Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, said, “Keeping in mind India’s commitment to eliminate filariasis by 2027 and acknowledging the importance of continuing important public health initiatives, the Government of Odisha is undertaking MDA rounds in 10 LF endemic districts includes Balasore, Bhadrak, Bolangir, Cuttack, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Khurda, Nayagarh, Nuapada and Rayagada”.

In the mean while, Senior Regional Director Dr. Suchitra Sasmal, Director, State Institute of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Amarendranath Mohanty emphasized on the importance of elimination of Filariasis from the State.

It is pertinent to mention here that, during this campaign around 51,371 trained drug administrators including ASHAs will visit every household in 10 districts to ensure drug consumption to 1,36,06,948 beneficiaries. To supervise the MDA, 5111 supervisors are also deployed to ensure the quality of the program.

Lastly, Mr. Anuj Ghosh, Senior Director, Global Health Strategies, thanked all participants and emphasized that with the combined efforts of all, we can eliminate the debilitating disease like Lymphatic Filariasis from the state.

State representatives of World Health Organization (WHO) and PCI were also present in this media workshop.