Patna: In a concerted effort to eradicate filariasis, a Mass Drug Administration Program has been initiated across 24 districts of Bihar, commencing from February 10. This ambitious program, under the Filariasis Eradication Programme, aims to administer DEC, Albendazole, and Ivermectin medicines to prevent elephantiasis. Health workers will undertake door-to-door visits to administer these medications, with strict guidelines excluding children under two years old, pregnant women, and severely ill individuals from receiving the drugs.
The inauguration of the program was marked by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Health Secretary cum Executive Director of the State Health Committee, Bihar, who led by example by taking the medication himself. Emphasizing the importance of the initiative, Singh highlighted the insidious nature of filariasis, which manifests gradually and can cause severe harm if left untreated. He stressed that medications would only be dispensed in the presence of a health worker to ensure proper administration, with particular emphasis on not taking the medication on an empty stomach. Assuring the public of the safety and cost-free nature of the medicines, Singh underscored the program’s commitment to community health.
Providing further insights into the campaign, Dr. Parameshwara Prasad, Additional Director cum State Program Officer for Filaria Control, outlined its comprehensive strategy. The program will span 17 days, with health workers distributing medications at booth levels for three days and conducting door-to-door visits for the remaining 14 days. Dr. Prasad explained that 10 districts would receive DEC, Albendazole, and Ivermectin medicines, while the remaining 14 districts would receive DEC and Albendazole. The objective is to reach 100 percent of beneficiaries, with strict instructions issued to all districts to achieve this target.
Highlighting the prevalence of filariasis in Bihar, Dr. Prasad revealed that as of December 2023, there were 22,100 patients with hydrocele and 157,685 patients with lymphedema in the state. The health department is resolutely committed to reducing these numbers further. Dr. Prasad also clarified that while most individuals experience no side effects from the medications, symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, itching, or nausea may indicate the presence of filarial worms in the body.
The overarching goal of the campaign is to eliminate filariasis, with Singh urging active participation from the public. Citizens have been encouraged to engage actively in the initiative, thereby contributing to the collective effort to ensure community health and well-being.
