Patna: The state govt will launch an 18-day intensive mass drug administration (MDA) campaign from Feb 10 to 27 to eliminate filariasis in Bihar. Aimed at breaking the chain of transmission, the drive will ensure that all eligible people consume preventive medicine under direct supervision of trained health workers. The major push of the campaign will be on Feb 11, when around 1.5 crore people are expected to receive filariasis-prevention medicine in a single day, as part of the state’s goal to make Bihar filariasis-free by 2027.Announcing the launch of the campaign at a health department function on Friday, state health minister Mangal Pandey said, “The elimination of filariasis is the govt’s top priority. I urge people to take the preventive medicine along with their family members.” He also appealed to public representatives to come forward and support the campaign.According to a press statement issued by the department, the govt has set a target of achieving over 90% medicine consumption through directly observed treatment (DOT), meaning the tablets will be taken in the presence of trained health workers to ensure real coverage, not just distribution.To make this possible, the state is deploying about 4 lakh trained frontline workers, more than 40,000 booths, and operations across 397 blocks. Health facilities will remain on alert, and the campaign will run in a focused, war-mode approach to reach maximum households and public locations quickly and safely, the statement added.Drug administration will be carried out through multiple channels to ensure no eligible person is missed. Booth-based administration will be available at designated sites, while ASHA workers and other frontline staff will conduct door-to-door visits. Mega camps will be held at Anganwadi centres, and special outreach will target Jeevika didis, self-help groups, and their family members so community networks help drive wider participation.The medicine will be provided as per govt guidelines, and beneficiaries will be asked to consume it immediately in the presence of a health worker. Safety protocols are in place, with Rapid Response Teams—both mobile and stationary—remaining active to manage any adverse drug reaction promptly. The campaign is being implemented with coordinated participation from the health, panchayati raj, ICDS, Jeevika, and other departments.
