Deworming & Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Campaigns Next Week In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will launch a deworming campaign across the state on February 10, coinciding with the National Deworming Day (NDD).

More than 1.46 crore children in the age group of one to 19 years and 17,73,187 women of reproductive age (WRA), besides those in the age group of 20 to 24 years (non-pregnant and non-lactating), will be covered during this campaign.

The NDD will be followed by a Mop-up Day (MUD) on February 17 to deworm the children who missed their dose on February 10. A Vitamin-A supplementation programme will also be carried out for 32,10,650 children in the age group of nine months to five years, sources said.

Along with the deworming drive, a Mass Drug Administration campaign will also be organised from February 10-19 in some identified blocks of 6 endemic districts – Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Cuttack, Kandhamal, and Nayagarh – for elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis.

“During MDA round, eligible beneficiaries in these 6 districts will have to consume anti-filarial drugs in the presence of health workers. Children below 2 years, pregnant women and those seriously ill must not consume the prescribed dosage”, Special Secretary and Director Health Services Bijay Kumar Mahapatra explained.

He further stated that community participation was extremely crucial. “It is very important for public representatives, officials, health workers and the community to make the filariasis elimination programme a public movement”.

More than 37 lakh are expected to be administered the anti-filaria drugs.

“Filaria spreads by mosquito bites. It is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide. Commonly acquired in the childhood and 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 Hydrocele (inflammation of the scrotum), lymphoedema (swelling in the limbs) and Chyluria (milky white urine),” Director, Public Health, Dr. Neelkantha Mishra elaborated.

He added that anti-filarial drugs are totally safe and passed multiple tests before administration. “Minor side-effects are usually rare and rapid response teams led by medical doctors will also be deployed in each block to address any such situation,” he added.