On the occasion of World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, Uttar Pradesh has renewed its pledge to combat NTDs, a cluster of preventable illnesses, including lymphatic filariasis (hathipaon-), visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar), leprosy (kusht-rog), dengue, chikungunya, snakebite, rabies, which annually account for millions of lives in India.
“Aligned with the WHO-NTD Roadmap 2021-2030, India’s resolve against NTDs finds an echo in Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to achieving the nation’s NTD elimination targets,” said said Dr Ramesh Singh Thakur, the state programme officer for vector-borne diseases at the department of Health and Family Welfare.
Emphasising on the state’s resolve, he stated, “In line with India’s pledge to eradicate filariasis and recognising the significance of sustained public health endeavours, UP is launching mass drug administration (MDA) rounds in endemic districts, divided into two phases. The inaugural phase of MDA is scheduled to commence on February 10, followed by the second phase on August 10.”
As of June last year, the state has identified 51 filariasis endemic districts, with a total of 90,768 lymphatic filariasis and 21,131 hydrocele patients.
Highlighting the severity of filariasis as a public health concern, director of the department of Health and Family Welfare Dr BP Singh Kalyani said it poses a significant health threat and is ranked among the primary causes of enduring disability worldwide.
“Typically contracted during childhood but manifesting in adulthood, this affliction wreaks havoc on the lymphatic system. If left untreated, it triggers irreversible abnormal swelling in various body parts,” Dr Kalyani said.