Bhubaneswar, Aug 4: In a bid to eradicate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), the Odisha government has initiated a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign across selected blocks in 12 districts, officials said on Monday.

As part of this public health initiative, an exclusive awareness drive was conducted in 47 Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), targeting over 5,600 students, principals, and teachers.

The campaign is a joint effort by the Department of Health & Family Welfare and the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department. Students were educated on LF transmission, prevention, and the importance of drug compliance. Anti-filarial medicine booths were set up in schools, encouraging students to consume the medication and become ambassadors of awareness within their communities.

During the awareness session, key officials including Ms. Pranati Patro (JD and Nodal Officer, EMRS), Dr. Prabhakar Sahoo (Additional Director cum Nodal Officer, Vector-Borne Diseases), and Dr. Susbhasisha Mohanty (JD, VBD) emphasized the critical role of community participation. Experts from WHO, PCI, and the Health Directorate, including Dr. Biswa Prakash Dutta, Dr. Ajit Basantaray, and Mr. Somnath Banerjee, reinforced the importance of widespread drug administration and behavioral change.

Dr. Sahoo urged all participants to consume the anti-filarial drugs themselves and ensure their families do the same during the campaign period. “The success of this campaign depends on collective participation. Together, we can make Odisha filariasis-free,” he stated.

This initiative marks a significant step in Odisha’s commitment to public health and disease elimination, combining education, community mobilization, and medical intervention.

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