Under the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Program, the Filariasis Eradication Campaign was officially launched in East Singhbhum by Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal and ADM (Law & Order) Aniket Sachan at Tata Workers' Union High School, Kadma. Senior district officials participated in the event, setting an example by taking the prescribed medication and urging citizens to consume the anti-filariasis drugs at their designated booths or when provided by the health department teams at their homes.
The Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign will run from February 10 to February 25, 2025, across Bodam, Patamda, Potka, Golmuri, Jugsalai, and urban areas of Jamshedpur.The campaign aims to administer anti-filariasis medication to prevent the disease, which is commonly known as elephantiasis and is caused by mosquito bites. The health department will lead the initiative in collaboration with multiple government departments, ensuring a comprehensive outreach.
As part of the initiative, anti-filariasis medicines Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and Albendazole will be distributed at designated booths on February 10, while from February 11 to 25, health workers, particularly ASHA personnel, will conduct door-to-door visits to ensure medication reaches every household.
The district administration has made it clear that pregnant women, seriously ill individuals, and children below two years of age should not consume the medication. The administration has also ensured that all required medicines have been supplied to block-level health units for smooth distribution.
The education, panchayati raj, integrated child development, social welfare, and supply departments will support the health department in implementing the campaign. In schools, students will receive the medicine after their midday meal, ensuring easy consumption and better monitoring.
Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal emphasized the importance of public participation in eradicating filariasis from the district. He encouraged schoolchildren to take the prescribed medicines and motivate their parents, relatives, friends, and neighbors to do the same.
Addressing the students, he explained that filariasis is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause severe swelling in limbs, commonly known as elephantiasis.He urged everyone to take the medication as per age-specific dosage guidelines and assured that the administration is committed to making the campaign successful.
The campaign kicked off at Anganwadi centers and schools in urban and rural areas on February 10, where local administrators supervised the distribution of medicines. Health department officials will continue efforts through door-to-door outreach to ensure maximum coverage.
The district administration appeals to all citizens to actively participate in the campaign, consume the prescribed medication, and help spread awareness to eliminate filariasis from East Singhbhum permanently.
