Odisha Launches Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Programme to Combat Lymphatic Filariasis

Bhubaneswar: The Department of Health and Family Welfare, is set to kick off the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programme from 10th to 19th February 2024 to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in seven endemic districts of Odisha. The targeted districts include Bolangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Cuttack, Kandhamal, Khordha, and Nayagarh.

A state-level media sensitization workshop was conducted in Bhubaneswar on 6th February 2024, organized by the Health & Family Welfare department in collaboration with Global Health Strategies. The workshop aimed to raise mass awareness and mobilize public opinion for the consumption of anti-filaria drugs as a preventive measure against Lymphatic Filariasis.

Dr. Snehalata Sahu, Special Secretary (Public Health) emphasized the importance of community participation in the MDA round. She urged everyone, excluding children below 2 years, pregnant women, and seriously ill individuals, to consume the prescribed dosage in the presence of trained volunteers or health workers. Dr. Sahu stressed the crucial role of media in creating awareness and breaking the transmission chain of LF.

Dr. Niranjan Mishra, Director, Public Health, Government of Odisha, highlighted the severity of LF, a mosquito-borne disease causing long-term disabilities. The MDA program will administer anti-filaria drugs to eligible populations, and community support is essential for its success. Dr. Mishra assured that Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) would address any minor side effects, and the medicines should be taken after food.

Dr. Shubhashisha Mohanty, Joint Director cum State Program Officer, Vector Borne Diseases, Government of Odisha, outlined the commitment to eliminate filariasis by 2027. MDA rounds will cover seven endemic districts, administering three types of anti-filaria drugs in three districts and two drugs in four districts.

Dr. Suchitra Sasmal, Senior Regional Director, NCVBDCP, Odisha, expressed optimism about achieving a filariasis-free Odisha and commended the state’s commitment.

Dr. (Prof) Braj Kishore Das, Additional Director of Medical Education and Training, Odisha, highlighted the support provided by medical colleges in capacity building, post-MDA evaluation, and patient awareness.

Dr. Pushpanjali Misra, Joint Director, State Institute of Health Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, stressed the need for community compliance, ownership, and sustained monitoring to achieve a filariasis-free Odisha.

Anuj Ghosh, Senior Director, Global Health Strategies, thanked all participants, emphasizing that collective efforts could eliminate debilitating diseases like Lymphatic Filariasis from the state.