September 2021: Bihar state launches MDA against LF

India’s Bihar state launched its annual mass drug administration (MDA) against lymphatic filariasis on September 20. Health workers will conduct door-to-door visits and administer the anti-filarial medicines diethylcarbamazine citrate and albendazole (DA) in 22 districts: Araria, Banka, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Buxar, East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Jehanabad, Jamui, Kaimur, Katihar, Khagaria, Madhepura, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Saharsa, Saran, Sitamarhi, Siwan, and Supaul. The state has yet to decide the date for the second MDA round in the remaining 16 districts. Bihar state ran its last MDA in 11 districts in September and October 2020, but rounds planned for May 2021 were canceled due to the second wave of Covid-19. Hindustan Times; Times of India