The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEB 6, 2024
The Health & Family Welfare Department of the Odisha Government is set to launch the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program from February 10-19, targeting the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in seven endemic districts: Bolangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Cuttack, Kandhamal, Khordha, and Nayagarh.
To raise awareness and mobilize public opinion about LF prevention, a state-level media sensitization workshop was organized by the Health & Family Welfare Department in collaboration with Global Health Strategies, here on Tuesday.
Dr. Snehalata Sahu, Special Secretary (Public Health) of the State Health & Family Welfare Department, emphasized the importance of community participation and media support in eliminating LF. She stressed the need for mass consumption of anti-filaria drugs during the MDA round to break the transmission chain of LF.
Dr. Niranjan Mishra, Director of Public Health, highlighted the severe health consequences of LF, including long-term disability and social stigma. He explained that MDA, where anti-filaria drugs are administered to eligible populations, is crucial in addressing this disabling disease.
Dr. Shubhashisha Mohanty, Joint Director-cum-State Program Officer, Vector Borne Diseases, mentioned India’s commitment to eliminate LF by 2027 and outlined the drug administration plan for the seven endemic districts.
Dr. Suchitra Sasmal, Senior Regional Director of NCVBDCP, Odisha, emphasized LF prevention as a collective effort and wished the state success in achieving a filariasis-free status.
Dr. Braj Kishore Das, Additional Director of Medical Education and Training, highlighted the support provided by medical colleges in capacity building and awareness creation.
Dr. Pushpanjali Misra, Joint Director of the State Institute of Health & Family Welfare, stressed the need for community compliance, ownership, and sustained monitoring to achieve LF elimination goals.
Anuj Ghosh, Senior Director of Global Health Strategies, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in eliminating LF.
Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and PCI also attended the media workshop.
