Synopsis
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program in Gujarat aimed at eradicating Lymphatic Filariasis, also known as Elephantiasis, with an ambitious target set for 2027.Key Takeaways
- Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program initiated.
- Target to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027.
- Drug distribution across four talukas in Gujarat.
- Over 5.46 lakh individuals targeted for treatment.
- Historical context of Filariasis infection rates in Surat.
Gandhinagar, Feb 10 (NationPress) In a significant move towards eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis (often referred to as Elephantiasis), Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has virtually initiated the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program on Monday, alongside Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel and senior health officials.
This initiative is in line with the Union government’s goal to eradicate Filariasis by 2027 and signifies the commencement of the second phase of the campaign, running from February 10 to 12.
During this phase, widespread drug distribution will take place across four talukas - Netrang in Bharuch district, Nandod and Dediyapada in Narmada district, and Waghai in Dang district, aiming to reach approximately 5.46 lakh individuals.
The primary objective of this program is to provide preventive treatment to curb the transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis, a mosquito-borne illness that can lead to severe physical impairments.
At the launch, Union Minister J.P. Nadda underscored the government's dedication to public health, asserting, “The eradication of Filariasis is a national priority, and the engagement of the community in mass drug administration is vital for achieving our target by 2027.”
Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel called upon citizens to take an active role and consume the prescribed medication.
“Historically, in the 1960s, Surat City faced an infection rate of around 23 percent with an infectivity rate of 1.6 percent. To tackle this challenge, the National Filaria Control Programme set up a Filaria Control Unit in Surat for case detection and treatment,” he noted.
In 2004, India initiated the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis campaign via Mass Drug Administration (MDA), distributing annual single doses of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) tablets in all LF-endemic districts, including Surat. From 2004 to 2007, four rounds of MDA achieved a 41 percent reduction in microfilaria (mf) rates, significantly lowering infection and infectivity rates.
By 2015, the average mf rate in Gujarat had dropped to 0.44 percent, showcasing notable progress towards elimination. Post-MDA evaluations indicated drug coverage between 81 percent and 88 percent, with epidemiological coverage ranging from 77 percent to 89 percent.
Directly observed consumption rose from 58 percent in 2010 to 82 percent in 2015, and awareness about the drug’s benefits increased from 59 percent to 90 percent during the same timeframe.
