Filariasis eradication drive launched in Buxar | Patna News
Buxar: District magistrate (DM) Sahila on Wednesday launched the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) drive against filariasis by administering the prescribed dose to children at Anganwadi centre no. 17 at Atrauna village under Itadhi block of Buxar.Addressing the gathering, the DM said filariasis is a serious but fully preventable disease and stressed that the ongoing govt campaign aims to eliminate it through mass medication. She urged all eligible individuals to take the medicine without hesitation and not fall prey to rumours or misconceptions.The DM explained that filariasis, or elephantiasis, is transmitted through mosquito bites and is the second leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. The disease may take 5–15 years to develop, she said, adding that a single annual dose of anti-filarial drugs can effectively prevent it.Under the district-wide eradication programme, the MDA campaign will run across all blocks of Buxar district from February 10 to 24.Officials informed that the medicine must be taken after a proper meal. It is not to be given to children below two years, pregnant women, or seriously ill persons.ASHA workers and ANMs are distributing the drugs door-to-door throughout the district.
