Gandhinagar, Feb 9 (NationPress) The Gujarat Health Department is set to initiate the third phase of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative against filariasis from February 10 to 12, targeting four talukas in the Bharuch, Narmada, and Dang districts, as confirmed by officials on Monday.

The objective of this campaign is to eradicate elephantiasis, scientifically referred to as lymphatic filariasis, in alignment with the Central Government's national goal to eliminate the disease by 2030.

The MDA efforts will focus on Netrang taluka in Bharuch district, alongside Nandod and Dediapada talukas in Narmada district, and Waghai taluka in Dang district.

It is anticipated that over 5.48 lakh individuals will be reached through this program within the specified four talukas.

Health officials have identified 17 districts in the Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions as particularly vulnerable to filariasis.

As part of monitoring efforts in previously classified non-endemic zones, night blood surveys were conducted across several districts and municipal corporations.

These surveys revealed the presence of filarial parasites in blood samples collected from the four talukas, leading to their inclusion in the MDA program.

During this campaign, the anti-filarial medications Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and Albendazole will be administered directly to eligible participants to remove parasites from their systems.

Exemptions from drug administration include children under two years, pregnant women, severely ill individuals, and lactating mothers within one week of delivery.

Throughout this three-day initiative, a total of 649 health worker teams will deliver medicines door to door across all households, as well as at 759 anganwadi centres, 742 schools, and 15 colleges in the designated areas.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, follow-up visits will be conducted on February 13 and 14 for any individuals who were overlooked during the initial round.

Additionally, 61 public booths will be established to facilitate the direct administration of drugs.

The Health Department has announced that evaluations will be conducted before, during, and after the campaign by the Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM) departments from three medical colleges to assess the program's effectiveness.

“Our goal is to eliminate filariasis by 2030 through persistent mass drug administration and careful surveillance,” stated officials.

Health teams, ASHA workers, anganwadi personnel, and school teachers have received training for this initiative. The department has called upon local residents to fully cooperate to ensure the campaign's success.