Bhubaneswar, 4 August (H.S.): In a significant step towards eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) from Odisha, a state-wide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign is being rolled out across selected blocks in 12 districts. As part of this initiative, a targeted awareness drive was conducted in 47 Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), aiming to educate students and staff about the disease and the importance of drug compliance.
Organized jointly by the Department of Health & Family Welfare and the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, the campaign sensitized over 5,600 students, principals, and teachers. The sessions covered key aspects of LF transmission, prevention, and the role of MDA in eradicating the disease.
Health Department teams set up dedicated MDA booths at each school, where students were encouraged to consume the anti-filarial medicines under supervision. In addition to ensuring their own participation, students were urged to become ambassadors of awareness by educating their families and communities about the importance of taking the prescribed medication.
The awareness drive saw active participation from key officials and health experts. Notable attendees included Ms. Pranati Patro, Joint Director and Nodal Officer, EMRS (SC & ST Dept, Government of Odisha); Dr. Prabhakar Sahoo, Additional Director cum Nodal Officer for Vector-Borne Diseases; Dr. Subhasisha Mohanty, Joint Director, VBD; Mr. Debakant Sandhibigraha, IEC Consultant, Health Directorate; Dr. Biswa Prakash Dutta from WHO; and representatives from PCI, including Dr. Ajit Basantaray and Mr. Somnath Banerjee.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Prabhakar Sahoo emphasized the critical role of individual responsibility and collective participation in the success of the MDA campaign. He urged all participants to not only take the anti-filarial drugs themselves but also ensure every family member does the same during the campaign period.
“This campaign is a vital step in our journey to make Odisha filariasis-free. With informed action and community involvement, we can collectively eliminate this debilitating disease from our state,” Dr. Sahoo stated.
The awareness initiative in EMRS institutions underscores the state’s commitment to integrating health education with public health interventions, particularly in tribal and remote regions. The MDA campaign is expected to significantly curb the transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis and move Odisha closer to its elimination goal.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
