February 2022: Odisha state begins phased MDA for LF

India’s Odisha state began a phased mass drug administration (MDA) of DEC and albendazole to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in 15 endemic districts. Phase 1—conducted February 10-19—reached eight districts: Angul, Baleswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Nayagarh, and Nuapada. During the campaign, around 55,554 trained volunteers, including accredited social health activists (ASHAs), visited every household in the districts to administer the drugs. The seven districts undertaking MDA in the second phase—scheduled for March 7-16—include Bargarh, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, and Sundargarh. The Pioneer; OdishaDiary