Sambalpur: Reluctance Towards Filaria Medication; Sambalpur Extends Deadline as Only 64% Take Pills in Nine Days
Sambalpur: The district-wide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program to combat filaria, launched on the 10th of this month, has received a lukewarm response. Despite the efforts of ASHA workers and trained volunteers visiting homes, schools, colleges, and institutions to distribute medication based on age, the response has been lackluster.
Targeted Population and Current Compliance
This year, the goal is to provide filaria medication to 11,11,257 people throughout the district. However, after nine days, only 64% of the population had taken the prescribed medication. Health officials have clarified that the pills have no side effects, but many people continue to refuse them outright. As a result, the MDA program has been extended for three days, from the 19th to the 22nd, to increase participation. Officials emphasize that only widespread medication use will result in a filaria-free Sambalpur, which is consistent with India’s national goal of eradicating filaria by 2027.
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Efforts to Reach the Masses
Until the 18th of August, the program aimed to reach 10,13,977 individuals. However, only 64.14% have used the medication. Health workers have given the medication to 5,49,491 people through door-to-door visits, 1,22,524 people in schools, colleges, and offices by mobile teams, and another 7,818 people at CHCs and PHCs. Meanwhile, 1,14,552 people, or 10.8% of the target population, have refused to take the medication. According to health department data, only 6,757 people took the pills and reported minor side effects such as headaches, which is less than 1% of the total.
Appeal for Public Participation
Last year, 86% of Sambalpur’s population took part in the MDA program, but only 64% have done so in the first nine days of this year. To ensure a healthy future and a filaria-free Sambalpur, Chief District Medical Officer Dr. Sujatarani Mishra has urged everyone to take the medication, reassuring them that there are no side effects. It is thought that having to take seven to eight pills at once may deter people. Furthermore, due to parental concerns, teachers have hesitated to give their students the medication. ASHA, Anganwadi, and health workers have been working tirelessly, including late at night, to distribute medication to homes. Dr. Mishra strongly urges all residents to take filaria medication in the next four days to help eradicate the disease from the district.
