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Kolkata, 10 February 2023: Govt. Of West Bengal is committed to ensure the health and well-being of its
population by eliminating Tropical Diseases like Lymphatic Filariasis. The goal is to eliminate this mosquitoe-borne disease by year 2027 from the state. Staying steadfast on its commitment towards a Filariasis-free West Bengal, the state today launched Mass Drug Administration (MDA) round in selected areas of 5 districts and 2 Health Districts (HD) i.e. Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidad, Bishnupur HD & Rampurhat HD . Mr. Narayan Swaroop Nigam, Principal Secretary, of Department of Health and Family Welfare, Shubhanjan Das, Mission Director, NHM, and Dr. Siddhartha Niyogi, The Director of Health Services, Government of West Bengal, have launched this MDA, 2023 round at Swasthya Bhawan today. At the same time India has ramped up efforts in eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis. Today Sri Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, launched a nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign, aimed at ending disease transmission through the door-to-door administration of anti-filarial drugs. This launch comes a month after the programme received resounding support from Sri Mansukh Mandaviya, the Honorable Health Minister, to eliminate Filariasis by 2027. This year, 10 February 2023 also coincides with National Deworming Day. Lymphatic Filariasis is a disabling disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Usually acquired in childhood, this disease damages the lymphatic system and if left untreated, causes abnormal enlargement of body parts such as hydrocele (abnormal swelling of the scrotum) and lymphoedema (swelling in the limbs). In thisround state health department will use double drug therapy across all MDA districts of West Bengal. From 10th February to 18th February, trained health workers will visit every house in these districts and administer anti-filarial medicines to everyone except children under the age of 2 years, pregnant women, and those seriously ill.
In a statement, Dr. Niyogi said “People’s participation is critical to ensure Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis. Drug to prevent transmission of this disease are amply available in the state. Starting today, our focus must remain on ensuring every eligible community member accepts and consumes anti-filarial drugs. These drugs are
safe and effective; they protect against illness and disability caused by Filariasis.” He appealed to all field level health workers, predominantly ASHAs, to ensure that they visit every household in their community during this MDA round, covering total 31 Blocks and 6 Municipalities in the state.
Disfiguration or disability caused by filariasisisirreversible, if not treated early. Some also develop chronic cough called Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia and can have symptoms like passing of milky white urine (chyluria). Patients suffering from lymphoedema and hydrocele often experience difficulties in carrying out day-to-day activities and face social stigma and discrimination.
As of 2022, the state has reported a total of 35631 lymphoedema and 13846 hydrocele patients. Further, the state also conducted 8571 hydrocele surgeries in 2022.

During MDA, a combination of two drugs i.e., Diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) and Albendazole is administered to the eligible population (excluding children below 2 years, pregnant women, and those who are seriously ill) in affected areas to interrupt transmission of the disease. Dr. Pritam Roy, State Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases from WHO- West Bengal, said, “To support those
afflicted by lymphoedema,the West Bengal government also offers Morbidity Management Disability Prevention (MMDP) kit and training to help patientsreduce their discomfort. Further, the state health department also offers free hydrocele surgeries at Government hospitals.”
Reiterating the crucial role of the community and the need for compliance and appreciating the state
government’s efforts to eliminate Filariasis, Dr. Niyogi further added, “These drugs can help us to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis from the state within year 2027 if we improve drug compliance, that is, everyone consumes these medicines in presence of trained health workers. Let us continue to work towards that goal.”