Mop-up round launched in Bhagalpur against filariasis

Bhagalpur: The district administration from Thursday kicked off a 11-day mop-up round for elimination of lymphatic filariasis. The campaign would run in the district till March 13.

All the 16 blocks under Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon and Naugachia sub-divisions in Bhagalpur district would be covered in the campaign.District vector-borne disease control officer (DVBDCO) Dr Dinanath said under mass drug administration (MDA) nearly 90% target was achieved in administering filariasis medication. The remaining 10% coverage would be achieved under the mop-up round, he said.The DVBDCO urged people who have not yet taken the filariasis medication to contact the health workers during this period for the medicine.

Vector disease control officer (VDCO) Aarti Kumari said over 29 lakh people out of the targeted over 32 lakh were administered filariasis medication across the district during MDA held between Feb 10-28. “Our objective is to achieve 100% target during the mop-up round to ensure full coverage of medication,” she said, adding a campaign is underway to remove apprehensions from the minds of people about the medicines.