Highlighting the importance of mass movement Director, Vector-borne Diseases, Dr Ashok Paliwal, said that participation of masses was crucial in making any public health programme a success and therefore it was important to break the cycle of transmission of filariasis.
Dr Paliwal was speaking during a virtual media sensitisation workshop to spotlight the upcoming Mass Drug Administration (MDA) rounds for elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in the state.
“Elimination of polio was possible as it was converted into a mass movement with active support from communities. If the media also disseminates the right message, our fight against transmitted diseases will become stronger. Campaign to have medicine once a year, for three consecutive years, can eliminate filariasis from the state and the country,” he said.
Filariasis is a disabling disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Usually acquired in childhood, the infection damages the lymphatic system and if left untreated, causes abnormal enlargement of body parts such as hydrocele (abnormal swelling of scrotum) and lymphedema (swelling in the limbs). A few patients also develop chronic cough called tropical pulmonary eosinophilia and could have symptoms like passing of milky white urine (Chyluria).
Joint Director, Medical and Health (Filaria) Dr VP Singh said that to start with, eight districts in UP would be undertaking the MDA from December 21.
“Everyone except children below two years of age, pregnant women and seriously ill people, must consume the prescribed anti-filarial drug during the rounds in the presence of trained health workers,” he said.
Districts where the campaign will be carried out are: Auraiya, Etawah, Farrukhabad, Ghazipur, Kannauj, Kaushambi, Rae Bareli and Sultanpur.
“Those suffering from medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes and arthritis must consume anti-filarial drugs, as they will not have any adverse reactions,” he said.