Bhubaneswar, The Department of Health and Family welfare, Government of Odisha, is going to organize Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign from February 10, 2025 to 19th February for elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in 6 endemic districts of the state namely Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Cuttack, Kandhamal, and Nayagarh. For this, a state level media sensitization workshop was organized in Bhubaneshwar by the Department of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with Global Health Strategies on February 6, 2025. The objective of this workshop was to facilitate comprehensive dissemination of information that highlights the debility caused by Lymphatic Filariasis – to ensure individuals and communities receive accurate information about the seriousness and impact of the disease.

During the workshop, Dr. Bijay Kumar Mahapatra, Special Secretary and Director Health Services, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, “During MDA round, It will be ensured that eligible beneficiaries in these 6 districts must consume anti-filarial drugs in the presence of health workers. Everyone except children below 2 years, pregnant women and seriously ill people must consume the prescribed dosage during the rounds in the presence of trained health workers”. He also stressed that, “Under this programme, the participation of community is extremely crucial. With the commitment towards elimination of Filariasis, it is very important for public representatives, officials, health workers and the community to make the filariasis elimination Program a public movement”. He also stated that “only with the support of the community and the media, we will be able to eliminate LF completely. If beneficiaries in large numbers consume anti-filaria drugs, it will break the chain of transmission”.

Dr. Neelkantha Mishra, Director, Public Health, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, stated that “Filaria is a serious public health problem which is spread by mosquito bites. Filariasis is one of the leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Commonly acquired in childhood but manifested in adulthood, this infection damages the lymphatic system and if left untreated, causes abnormal swelling of the body parts which is irreversible. People with Filariasis often suffer from manifestations such as Hydrocele (inflammation of the scrotum), lymphoedema (swelling in the limbs) and Chyluria (milky white urine). Dr. Mishra informed that Anti-filarial drugs are totally safe and passed multiple test before administration. Dr. Mishra further spoke about the minor side-effects which is usually rare and to address any situation post drug consumption, 3-4 Rapid Response Team led by medical doctors are also deployed in each block.

India’s National Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis now has a five-pronged strategy:
1. Mass Drug Administration (MDA): Anti filarial drugs are administered to prevent transmission of Filariasis in the endemic areas.
2. Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP): Caring for patients through home-based morbidity management for lymphoedema and surgical correction for hydrocele cases.
3. Vector Control (Surveillance and Management): Integrated vector control with multi sectoral coordinated efforts
4. High Level Advocacy: Inter sectoral convergence with allied ministries such as Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of HRD and Ministry of Urban and Rural Development
5. Innovative Approaches: Leveraging existing digital platforms for LF and exploring alternate diagnostics

Dr. Pravakar Sahu, Additional Director cum State Program Officer, Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, said, “Keeping in mind India's commitment to eliminate filariasis by 2027 and acknowledging the importance of continuing important public health initiatives, the Government of Odisha is undertaking MDA rounds in 47 blocks 6 districts on which Bolangir, Kalahandi and Rayagada will administer three drugs namely DEC, Albendazole and Ivermectin and remaining three districts Cuttack, Kandhamal and Nayagarh will administer two drugs namely DEC and Albendazole”.

Dr. Suchitra Sasmal Senior Regional Director, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Odisha said, “Once elephantiasis is visible, this can be treated but prevention is easy by consuming Anti-Filarial drugs once in a year. As Odisha goes into the first phase of MDA rounds from 10th Feb in 6 districts, Wishing the state a great success for achieving a Filariasis free Odisha”.

Dr. Amarendranath Mohanty, Director, State Institute of Health Family Welfare, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, said “community compliance, ownership and sustained monitoring is the need of the hour to ensure a Filariasis free Odisha and with our collective efforts, this is achievable”. He also urged the media to play an active role in evidence based information dissemination and emphasized on the need for community mobilization in achieving the disease elimination targets.

During this round around 15,000 trained drug administrators including ASHAs will visit every household in 47 blocks of 6 districts to ensure drug consumption to around 38 Lakh beneficiaries. To supervise the MDA, around 1500 supervisors are also deployed to ensure the quality of the program.

Lastly, Dr. Shubhashisha Mohanty, Joint Director (VBD) thanked all participants and emphasized that with the combined efforts of all, we can eliminate the debilitating disease like Lymphatic Filariasis from the state. He also said by intersectoral collaboration with Various Govt. departments like Panchayati Raj, School & Mass Education, Higher Education, Mission Shakti, Women & Child Development, Industries, Steel & Mines, SC &ST Dev department, H&UD the state has aimed to achieve more than 90% drug coverage.

State representatives of World Health Organization (WHO), PCI, Rotary International and GHS were also present in this media workshop.

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