Sonitpur Launches Campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis

Sonitpur, Assam is set to launch a comprehensive Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign aimed at eliminating lymphatic filariasis, a debilitating disease caused by parasitic worms. The campaign will take place from February 10 to 19, 2026, targeting around 140,000 eligible beneficiaries in the region.

A coordination meeting was held on Wednesday at the District Commissioner’s Conference Hall, chaired by District Commissioner Ananda Kumar Das. The session gathered various stakeholders, including Hari Sadhan Das, Chairperson of the Rangapara Municipal Board, and Dr. Biman Sharma, Joint Director of Health Services for Sonitpur, along with medical officers, tea garden representatives, block development officers, and officials from the National Health Mission (NHM).

During the meeting, District Vector Borne Disease Consultant, Baharul Islam, outlined the campaign’s framework. He noted that the initiative would specifically target 11 tea gardens in Rangapara, where health teams will conduct house-to-house drug administration. This will begin with three designated booth days at the start of the campaign.

The MDA will cover all individuals over the age of two, ensuring that the community is well-informed about the administration of DEC tablets, which should not be taken on an empty stomach. The formal inauguration is scheduled for February 10, 2026, at the Naharani Tea Estate Hospital in Rangapara.

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Commissioner Das urged all attendees to foster strong coordination among various departments and stakeholders. He highlighted that effective implementation of the campaign is critical to achieving the goal of eliminating lymphatic filariasis from Sonitpur.

This initiative reflects a broader commitment by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) to combat vector-borne diseases in India. The campaign not only aims to enhance public health but also to improve the quality of life for those affected by this disease.