Mass Drug Administration to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis

Awareness Drive Conducted for Ekalavya Model Residential School Students

Bhubaneswar, Aug 2025 : To eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in Odisha, a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign will be carried out across selected blocks in 12 districts of the state. As part of the initiative, an exclusive awareness drive was organized in collaboration with the Department of Health & Family Welfare and the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department in 47 Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

Over 5,600 students, principals, teachers were sensitized about Lymphatic Filariasis, its transmission, prevention, and the importance of drug compliance under the MDA campaign. As part of the awareness sessions, students were encouraged to consume the anti-filarial medicine at MDA booths set up in schools by the Health Department. They were also motivated to spread awareness among their communities.

In the Meeting Ms Pranati Patro JD and Nodal Officer of EMRS SC & ST Dept GoO, Dr Prabhakar Sahoo Addl Director cum Nodal Officer Vector born disease, Dr Susbhasisha Mohanty JD VBD , Mr Debakant Sandhibigraha Consultant IEC of Heath Directorate, Dr Biswa Prakash Dutta from WHO, Dr Ajit Basantaray & Mr Somnath Banarjee from PCI explained on importance of Mass Drug Administration for elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis . Dr Pravakar appealed to all participants to consume anti filarial drugs by self, and ensure each family member should consume during the campaign period. He also emphasized that the success of this campaign depends on collective participation, which can help the state become filariasis-free.

This comprehensive awareness drive marks a crucial step towards the larger goal of eradicating filariasis from Odisha through informed action and community involvement.

Rojalin Sahoo
PRO
SSD,M&BCW