Bhubaneswar: To eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in Odisha, a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign will be carried out across selected blocks in 12 districts of the state.
As part of the initiative, an exclusive awareness drive was organised in collaboration with the Department of Health & Family Welfare and the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backwards Classes Welfare Department in 47 Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
Over 5,600 students, principals, and teachers were sensitised about Lymphatic Filariasis, its transmission, prevention, and the importance of drug compliance under the MDA campaign. As part of the awareness sessions, students were encouraged to consume the anti-filarial medicine at MDA booths set up in schools by the Health Department. They were also motivated to spread awareness among their communities.
A meeting was held with key officials to discuss the importance of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis. The attendees included Ms. Pranati Patro, Joint Director and Nodal Officer of EMRS, SC & ST Department, Government of Odisha; Dr. Prabhakar Sahoo, Additional Director cum Nodal Officer for Vector-borne diseases; Dr. Susbhasisha Mohanty, Joint Director, VBD; Mr. Debakant Sandhibigraha, Consultant IEC of the Health Directorate; Dr. Biswa Prakash Dutta from the World Health Organization (WHO); and Dr. Ajit Basantaray and Mr. Somnath Banerjee from the Programme Coordination and Implementation (PCI).
The experts highlighted the importance of widespread drug distribution and community participation in achieving the goal of disease elimination.
Dr Pravakar appealed to all participants to consume anti-filarial drugs by self, and ensure each family member consumes them during the campaign period. He also emphasised that the success of this campaign depends on collective participation, which can help the state become filariasis-free.
This comprehensive awareness drive marks a crucial step towards the larger goal of eradicating filariasis from Odisha through informed action and community involvement.
