Gujarat to Implement Anti-Filariasis Initiative for 5.46 Lakh Residents
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Gujarat government plans to initiate the second phase of its Mass Drug Administration program from February 10 to 12, targeting over 5.46 lakh individuals to eradicate filariasis, as reported on February 8.
Key Takeaways
- Second phase of MDA program from February 10 to 12.
- Targeting 5.46 lakh residents across four talukas.
- Training provided to health workers for effective drug distribution.
- Blood samples collected between 8 p.m. and midnight.
- Continuous efforts needed to combat filariasis in urban areas.
Gandhinagar, Feb 8 (NationPress) The government of Gujarat is set to commence the second phase of its Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative from February 10 to 12, aiming to reach over 5.46 lakh individuals across four talukas to combat filariasis (also known as elephantiasis), as announced by an official on Saturday.
Health personnel, including ASHA and Anganwadi workers, along with school educators, have been trained to facilitate the efficient distribution of medications.
On February 10, approximately 610 teams will be administering drugs at 776 Anganwadi centers, 748 schools, and 13 colleges.
Since the filarial parasites are present in the bloodstream primarily at night, health officials will gather blood samples between 8 p.m. and midnight for precise detection.
Gujarat has effectively eradicated diseases like tuberculosis and polio, and with this program, the state aspires to entirely eliminate filariasis, reinforcing its vision of a “Healthy Citizens, Healthy Nation”.
Lymphatic filariasis, commonly referred to as elephantiasis, continues to be a public health issue in Gujarat.
In 2015, the state recorded a microfilaria (MF) rate of 0.44 percent, indicating the disease's presence in the population.
In 2023, following a three-year break, four cases were identified in Ahmedabad's Ramol area, all involving laborers from Uttar Pradesh. Historically, Gujarat has been among the states reporting cases of filariasis.
The state has carried out Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programs to fight this disease.
For example, the Tapi district executed an MDA operation in January 2020.
Despite these initiatives, challenges remain, particularly in urban locations with significant in-migration, like Surat.
Routine surveys conducted in certain urban regions of Gujarat in 2016 showed a decline in MF prevalence from 0.33 percent in 2008 to 0.06 percent in 2016, indicating the success of these interventions.
Nevertheless, ongoing monitoring and targeted actions are crucial to achieving the goal of eradicating lymphatic filariasis in Gujarat.
