Howrah, July 2: The District Magistrate of Howrah addressed a media briefing on the ongoing Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign aimed at eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), urging citizens to actively participate by consuming the prescribed medicines under supervision.
The administration said Lymphatic Filariasis remains one of the world’s leading neglected tropical diseases and can cause lifelong disabilities such as lymphoedema (elephantiasis) and hydrocele. Officials noted that the infection often remains symptomless for years, making preventive treatment through the MDA campaign essential.
According to the district administration, surveys conducted across Howrah identified continued transmission in Domjur, Sankrail, Panchla, Bally Jagacha Block, Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) and Bally Municipality. These six implementation units have been selected for the current MDA campaign.
The administration stressed that the campaign’s success depends on actual consumption of medicines under the Directly Observed Consumption (DOC) system rather than mere distribution. The target is to achieve over 95% drug consumption among eligible residents.
Officials assured the public that the medicines are safe and effective. While some people may experience mild side effects such as dizziness, nausea, headache or mild fever, these are temporary and the health department is fully prepared to manage any adverse events.
The District Magistrate also appealed to the media to help spread accurate information, counter myths and encourage public participation, expressing confidence that coordinated efforts would help make Howrah a filaria-free district and contribute to India’s goal of eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis.
