Maharashtra

Mumbai, Feb 25: In a major step towards making Maharashtra free from filariasis, the state health department has launched a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign in five districts from February 10. Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has urged all eligible beneficiaries to cooperate with health officials and take the prescribed medication to protect themselves and their families from the disease. A review meeting on the campaign was held at Arogya Bhavan, chaired by Minister Abitkar. The meeting was attended by Dr. Nitin Ambadekar (Director), Dr. Babita Kamalapurkar (Joint Director, Health Services – Malaria, Filariasis & Waterborne Diseases), Dr. Premchand Kamble (Assistant Director, Filariasis), and other health department officials. Call for Public Participation in the Filariasis Eradication Drive Speaking at the meeting, Minister Abitkar said, “Filariasis is a serious disease that can lead to conditions like elephantiasis and hydrocele, causing physical disability and social stigma. This campaign aims to protect citizens from such complications. People must take the medicine distributed by health workers at their homes, offices, or schools to ensure we eliminate filariasis from Maharashtra.” The campaign will cover five districts: Palghar, Nanded, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, and Chandrapur, spanning 34 talukas. These districts have a combined population of 54.98 lakh, out of which 51.58 lakh eligible beneficiaries will be given the prescribed medication. Medication and National Eradication Target Under this initiative, three drugs—Diethylcarbamazine (DEC), Albendazole, and Ivermectin—will be distributed to the eligible population. The Government of India has set a target to eliminate filariasis from the country by 2027. Maharashtra has already made significant progress, successfully eliminating filariasis in 13 out of 18 affected districts. Preventing Filariasis: A Collective Responsibility Filariasis is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease that can cause severe swelling in the legs and other body parts if left untreated. The health department has appealed to the public to participate actively in this campaign and consume the prescribed medication without fear. This campaign is not just about eradicating a disease—it is about ensuring a healthier future for Maharashtra’s citizens. With collective effort and public participation, Maharashtra can achieve its goal of becoming filariasis-free in the coming years!