Assam launches drive to tackle lymphatic filariasis

Guwahati: Lymphatic filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis, is a challenge in Assam, said state health minister Ashok Singhal. Health department has set a goal to achieve over 90% drug compliance of the eligible population consuming anti-filaria medicines in the endemic districts.
Union minister for health and family welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, on Monday launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for LF elimination through a video conference with health ministers and senior officers of 13 identified LF endemic states, including Assam. Singhal also participated in the meeting through video conferencing from Sonitpur, one of the affected districts.
Singhal said at present, some individuals in certain areas of Tinsukia, Biswanath and Sonitpur districts of Assam were found to have microfilaria and some filariasis patients were identified.He added that a second phase of the MDA program would be conducted in these districts from Monday until Feb 19.
Singhal officially launched the public drug administration campaign for the elimination of filariasis and the state-level program for National Deworming Day 2025 at an event in Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur district. Prior to this, Nadda virtually inaugurated the public drug administration campaign through a video conference with health ministers from 13 states.
As part of this program, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and health workers will visit homes to administer Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole tablets. He called on residents of the affected areas to participate in this mass drug administration program and join the fight against filariasis.
In the meeting with Nadda, the participants were provided an overview of the campaign, its objectives, the key strategic activities being undertaken and the role of participating states in ensuring high coverage and compliance with the MDA program. The campaign covers 111 endemic districts across 13 states with door-to-door administration of filaria prevention medications.
"From Feb 10 onward, these medicines will be made available free of cost to a population of over 17.5 crore across endemic districts. It is imperative that residents in these areas consume the medicines, protecting themselves and their families from this debilitating disease," Nadda said.
Highlighting the importance of achieving high coverage, he underlined, "the endemic districts must ensure that over 90% of the eligible population consume anti-filaria medicines. Our collective commitment and determination will help transform lives and ensure a future free from Lymphatic Filariasis."
Singhal said under this campaign, every student aged 1 to 19 years in both govt and private schools, as well as Anganwadi centres across the state, will receive free deworming tablets. He also mentioned that children who do not attend school or have dropped out will also be included in the deworming program.
He explained that people typically get infected with worms through contact with contaminated soil. Therefore, he urged everyone to abandon open defecation, wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the toilet, drink clean water, cover food items, and keep the surroundings clean to protect children from worm infections.
He emphasised that worm infections can significantly harm a child's health, nutrition, and development, leading to anaemia, malnutrition, and hindrances in mental and physical growth. Regarding filariasis, he mentioned that this disease remains a significant public health challenge in our state, causing physical suffering, social stigma, and economic hardship.
Guwahati: Lymphatic filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis, is a challenge in Assam, said state health minister Ashok Singhal. Health department has set a goal to achieve over 90% drug compliance of the eligible population consuming anti-filaria medicines in the endemic districts.
Union minister for health and family welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, on Monday launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for LF elimination through a video conference with health ministers and senior officers of 13 identified LF endemic states, including Assam. Singhal also participated in the meeting through video conferencing from Sonitpur, one of the affected districts.
Singhal said at present, some individuals in certain areas of Tinsukia, Biswanath and Sonitpur districts of Assam were found to have microfilaria and some filariasis patients were identified.He added that a second phase of the MDA program would be conducted in these districts from Monday until Feb 19.
Singhal officially launched the public drug administration campaign for the elimination of filariasis and the state-level program for National Deworming Day 2025 at an event in Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur district. Prior to this, Nadda virtually inaugurated the public drug administration campaign through a video conference with health ministers from 13 states.
As part of this program, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and health workers will visit homes to administer Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole tablets. He called on residents of the affected areas to participate in this mass drug administration program and join the fight against filariasis.
In the meeting with Nadda, the participants were provided an overview of the campaign, its objectives, the key strategic activities being undertaken and the role of participating states in ensuring high coverage and compliance with the MDA program. The campaign covers 111 endemic districts across 13 states with door-to-door administration of filaria prevention medications.
"From Feb 10 onward, these medicines will be made available free of cost to a population of over 17.5 crore across endemic districts. It is imperative that residents in these areas consume the medicines, protecting themselves and their families from this debilitating disease," Nadda said.
Highlighting the importance of achieving high coverage, he underlined, "the endemic districts must ensure that over 90% of the eligible population consume anti-filaria medicines. Our collective commitment and determination will help transform lives and ensure a future free from Lymphatic Filariasis."
Singhal said under this campaign, every student aged 1 to 19 years in both govt and private schools, as well as Anganwadi centres across the state, will receive free deworming tablets. He also mentioned that children who do not attend school or have dropped out will also be included in the deworming program.