Bihar Govt. Begins Mass Drug Administration For Elephantiasis

State of Bihar is launching a campaign against Lymphatic Filariasis or more commonly known as "Haathipaanv". The endemic disease is spread in all 38 districts of Bihar, with most of the population at risk of contracting it.

But the disease can be managed by simple medications that are available for free of cost at government health centres. The Bihar state government is spreading awareness and encouraging citizens to come forward to get the medication.

Bihar will begin its Mass Drug Administration (MDA) round using three drug (Diethylcarbamazine, Albendazole and Ivermectin) in three selected districts namely Aurangabad, Sheohar and Sheikhpura.

An Initiative For Filaria Free India (Hathipaon Mukt Bharat)@officecmbihar @NitishKumar @mangalpandeybjp @BiharHealthDept @SHSBihar @nvbdcpmohfw @PRD_BIHAR #IndiaWillEndLF #BeatNTDs pic.twitter.com/JuRaRgE8h0

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Lymphatic Filariasis or commonly known as Elephantiasis, is spread by mosquitoes, which creates swelling of feet. The condition is generally painful for the affected patients.

In India, this disease is found in 272 districts of 16 states and a total of 65 crore people may be exposed to it. India accounts for 45% of the world's total elephantiasis cases. Its patients are found in all 38 districts of Bihar. In the year 2020-21, more than 1.25 lakh people in Bihar were suffering from Lymphodia and more than 46 thousand people suffered from Hydrocele.

In 2018, government of India accelerated its efforts on Filariasis Eradication Program and in 2019 it was decided to control the disease with the help of Triple Drug Therapy, which is proven to be more effective.

The Ministry of Health, so far, has distributed necessary medicines to over 6 crore people in 22 districts of Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. As a part of mass awareness measure, government has appealed to families to take the medicines to avoid contracting the painful diseas