Maharashtra takes lead in fight against Lymphatic Filariasis

Six districts in the state to launch Mass Drug Administration (MDA) from 1st July 

As India ebbs the devastating second wave of COVID-19 and prepares for the third one, Maharashtra is leading the way in the fight to reach the last mile when it comes to elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (Filaria). Six districts, namely Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Gondia, Nanded and Yavatmal will undertake Mass Drug Administration (MDA) round from 1st to 15th of July. Of the six districts, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur and Bhandara will undertake the triple-drug therapy (IDA), a statement notified.

The Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Maharashtra, organised a virtual media sensitisation workshop yesterday to highlight the importance of MDA rounds in eliminating Filariasis and appealed to the media to play a catalytic role in helping increase public awareness, it said.

It also highlighted that Filariasis is the second most disabling disease after mental health according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Usually acquired in childhood, the infection damages the lymphatic system, and, if left untreated, causes enlargement of body parts such as hydrocele (abnormal swelling of the scrotum) and lymphedema (swelling in the limbs). A few people also develop chronic coughs called Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia and can have symptoms like passing of milky white urine (chyluria).

“Filariasis is preventable with the administration of anti-filarial drugs during annual MDA rounds. During MDA, a combination of two drugs i.e., diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole or three drugs – Ivermectin, DEC, and Albendazole (also known as IDA or triple-drug therapy) is administered to the eligible population (excluding children below two years for two drugs therapy and five years of age for triple-drug therapy, pregnant women and seriously ill people) in affected areas to interrupt transmission of the disease. IDA, a new drug combination approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) has been proven to be more efficacious for LF elimination and can help reduce the number of MDA rounds needed to eliminate LF thereby accelerating elimination efforts. The triple-drug combination also has added benefits including treating infections caused by intestinal worms, scabies and lice, and improving nutrition uptake and physical and cognitive development of children,” the statement said.

During the workshop, Dr Nupur Roy, Additional Director, National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, lauded the state government’s efforts to eliminate Filariasis and expressed her faith in all the stakeholders who are working in tandem to fight the disease in the state, it added.

It also mentioned that Maharashtra has 18 LF endemic districts. As of 2020-21, close to 31,258 lymphoedema and 11,929 hydrocele cases were reported from the endemic districts, the statement said.

Speaking about the state’s efforts against Filariasis, Dr Archana Patil, Director of Health Services, Filaria, said, “COVID-19 has taught us that now, more than ever, it is crucial we integrate public health programmes at the systemic and ground level. Maharashtra is committed to ensure last-mile delivery of public health services even during the COVID pandemic and will adopt all necessary innovations to safely deliver essential services under the Lymphatic Filariasis elimination programme.”

Rajesh Tope, Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare, Maharashtra, in a video appeal at the workshop, also said, “In a step towards eliminating Filariasis, the government is starting MDA in endemic districts of Maharashtra. During MDA, trained health workers will follow COVID-19-appropriate protocols and conduct house-to house visits to provide free-of-cost anti-filaria medicines to all beneficiaries in all communities in affected areas. These anti-filaria medicines are completely safe and effective.”

The statement also said that all the districts have carried out preparatory activities, including training of drug administrators and supervisors. The healthcare workers have also been trained on COVID-19 safety protocols to prevent transmission of the disease while administering the anti-filaria drugs during house-to-house visits.

Dr Sanjeev Jadhav, Additional Director of Health Services, Filaria, highlighting the importance of the MDA rounds, said, “For an MDA round to be successful, it is essential that all households in an endemic area receive and consume the anti-filaria drugs in the presence of the healthcare worker. This is the only way we can ensure the interruption of transmission of Filariasis within the community, thus enabling elimination of the disease.”