Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is set to launch a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program on August 10, 2025, to eliminate filaria, a mosquito-borne disease. The campaign, which will target approximately 44.3 million people, aims to make the state filaria-free by having people consume anti-filaria drugs once a year for five consecutive years.
Dr. A.K. Chaudhary, Additional Director of Malaria and State Programme Officer, stated that the drugs are completely safe, even for those with chronic illnesses like blood pressure or diabetes. He clarified that nausea or dizziness after taking the medicine is a positive sign, as it indicates the medication is working by killing the parasites in the body. Rapid Response Teams will be available at each block to handle any adverse reactions.
The drugs will be administered for free by trained health workers at booths and door-to-door. Children under two, pregnant women, and the severely ill will not receive the medication.
The MDA program will be implemented in 27 districts across the state. In 17 districts, including Auraiya, Gorakhpur, and Etawah, a two-drug regimen (DEC and Albendazole) will be used. In another 10 districts, including Sitapur and Kanpur, a three-drug regimen (DEC, Albendazole, and Ivermectin) will be administered.
