Odisha to Launch Mass Drug Administration Campaign from February 10 to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to launch a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign from February 10 to 19 in a bid to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) from six endemic districts—Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Cuttack, Kandhamal, and Nayagarh. The campaign aims to administer anti-filaria drugs to over 37 lakh beneficiaries, ensuring a decisive step towards the state’s goal of eliminating filariasis by 2027.

Ahead of the campaign, a state-level media sensitization workshop was organized by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with Global Health Strategies, to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of public participation.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Bijay Kumar Mahapatra, Special Secretary and Director of Health Services, stressed that the success of the campaign depends on community involvement. He highlighted that eligible beneficiaries must consume the anti-filarial drugs in the presence of health workers, while children below two years, pregnant women, and seriously ill individuals should not take the prescribed dosage.

Dr. Jitendra Kumar Bebarta, Special Secretary, emphasized the crucial role of community and media support in ensuring the success of the campaign. He noted that mass drug consumption is essential to breaking the chain of transmission and eradicating the disease.

Highlighting the public health risks of Lymphatic Filariasis, Dr. Neelkantha Mishra, Director of Public Health, explained that the disease is caused by mosquito bites and often manifests in adulthood after being acquired in childhood. If left untreated, filariasis can cause severe swelling of body parts, hydrocele (scrotal swelling), lymphoedema (limb swelling), and chyluria (milky white urine), leading to long-term disability.

Dr. Mishra assured that the anti-filarial drugs are completely safe, having undergone rigorous testing. To address any rare side effects, Rapid Response Teams led by medical doctors will be deployed in each block to provide immediate medical assistance.

Five-Pronged Strategy for LF Elimination

India’s National Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis follows a five-pronged strategy to combat the disease:

1. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) – Administering anti-filarial drugs to prevent LF transmission in endemic areas.
2. Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) – Providing home-based care for lymphoedema and surgical correction for hydrocele cases.
3. Vector Control and Surveillance – Implementing integrated mosquito control measures through multi-sectoral coordination.
4. High-Level Advocacy – Engaging allied ministries, including Panchayati Raj, Urban and Rural Development, and Drinking Water and Sanitation, to strengthen LF elimination efforts.
5. Innovative Approaches – Leveraging digital platforms and developing advanced diagnostic techniques to enhance LF detection and treatment.

Dr. Pravakar Sahu, Additional Director and State Program Officer for Vector-Borne Diseases, outlined the drug administration plan for Odisha’s six endemic districts. In Balangir, Kalahandi, and Rayagada, a triple-drug regimen of DEC, Albendazole, and Ivermectin will be administered, while in Cuttack, Kandhamal, and Nayagarh, a two-drug combination of DEC and Albendazole will be provided.

To ensure effective drug administration, around 15,000 trained health workers, including ASHAs, will visit every household across 47 blocks in the six districts. The campaign will also be closely monitored by 1,500 supervisors to maintain quality and ensure high coverage.

Dr. Shubhashisha Mohanty, Joint Director (Vector-Borne Diseases), emphasized the need for intersectoral collaboration with departments such as Panchayati Raj, School & Mass Education, Mission Shakti, and Women & Child Development to achieve over 90% drug coverage. He thanked all stakeholders for their support in eliminating this debilitating disease.