Lucknow: Reviewing the ongoing filariasis elimination campaign, National Health Mission (UP) director Dr Pinky Jowel said mass drug administration must reach every eligible beneficiary.The campaign, from Feb 10 to 28, is being conducted across 64 planning units in 21 districts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) and hydrocele among men. The review focused on 15 planning units where progress fell short of targets. State officials, along with CMOs and district health teams from Shahjahanpur, Unnao, Barabanki and Ballia, joined the meeting virtually.Dr Jowel directed officials to ensure effective implementation of mass drug administration programme. She directed special drives be launched in areas with low drug consumption and 100% line-listing of beneficiaries be completed.In view of Ramzan, she advised health workers to visit in evening after ‘iftar’ (breaking of fast) to maximise outreach. Officials were also told to counsel those refusing medication, highlighting that the disease was incurable and preventive drug intake was the only safeguard.She underscored role of ASHA workers and frontline health teams, calling for strict monitoring of drug administrators, adherence to protocols during distribution and immediate medical support in case of adverse reactions.She appealed to residents to take medicines voluntarily in presence of health workers.
