UP Health Director Reviews Filariasis Elimination Drive, Emphasizes Universal Coverage
In a crucial review of the ongoing lymphatic filariasis elimination campaign, National Health Mission (Uttar Pradesh) director Dr Pinky Jowel has underscored the imperative that mass drug administration must reach every single eligible beneficiary across the state. The intensive campaign, which commenced on February 10 and will continue through February 28, is a targeted public health initiative to eradicate the debilitating conditions of lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, and hydrocele among men.
Campaign Scope and Identified Shortfalls
The statewide effort is being conducted across 64 distinct planning units spanning 21 high-priority districts. During the virtual review meeting, Dr Jowel and her team concentrated their analysis on 15 specific planning units where initial progress reports indicated performance had fallen short of established targets. State-level health officials were joined by Chief Medical Officers and district health teams from Shahjahanpur, Unnao, Barabanki, and Ballia in the comprehensive assessment.
Directives for Enhanced Implementation
Dr Jowel issued clear directives to ensure the effective execution of the mass drug administration program. She mandated the launch of special, focused drives in all areas reporting low drug consumption rates. A critical instruction was the completion of 100% line-listing of all eligible beneficiaries, a foundational step for accurate coverage measurement.
In a considerate move acknowledging the ongoing holy month of Ramzan, Dr Jowel advised health workers to schedule their household visits in the evenings after ‘iftar’, the time for breaking the fast. This adjustment is strategically designed to maximize community outreach and acceptance during this sensitive period.
Overcoming Refusal and Ensuring Safety
Officials were explicitly instructed to proactively counsel individuals or families refusing the preventive medication. The counseling must clearly communicate that lymphatic filariasis is an incurable disease, and that consistent preventive drug intake is the only reliable safeguard against its lifelong, disabling consequences.
Dr Jowel strongly underscored the pivotal role of ASHA workers and frontline health teams in this mission. She called for strict, real-time monitoring of all drug administrators to ensure absolute adherence to distribution protocols. Furthermore, she emphasized the necessity of having immediate medical support mechanisms ready to address any potential adverse reactions following drug administration.
A Public Health Appeal
Concluding the review, Dr Pinky Jowel made a heartfelt appeal to the residents of Uttar Pradesh. She urged all eligible individuals to voluntarily take the provided medicines in the presence of the visiting health workers. This act, she stressed, is a direct contribution to protecting themselves, their families, and the broader community from a preventable yet devastating disease, moving the state closer to the national goal of filariasis elimination.
