Independent Evaluation of Mass Drug Administration 2014 (MDA) for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in West Godavari District

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is the world's second leading cause of long term physical disability. In India (2012) it is estimated that 554.2 million people are at risk of LF infection in 243 districts. In Andhra Pradesh (A.P), 16 districts were under mass drug administration (MDA) programme covering 54 million population with annual single dose of diethyl carbamazine citrate (DEC) tablets orally.

To know the awareness and coverage of DEC Mass Drug Administration in West Godavari District and to review the progress of activities of single dose DEC Mass Drug Administration and albendazole distribution in the selected clusters of the West Godavari District.

The community based cross sectional study carried out in the selected clusters of West Godavari District from 24^th March 2014 to 2^nd April 2014. Selection of the primary health centres as per be guidelines prescribed by Regional Office for Health & Family Welfare (ROH & FW) and Government Of India (GOI). 3 primary health centres and 1 urban Health Centres were selected namely Pedapadu, Denduluru, Gundugolanu and Urban Health centre area Yetigattu. A total of 120 households selected by multistage cluster sampling method. Pre designed and pretested study questionnaire was filled and DEC Mass Drug Administration awareness, drug compliance and utilization of health education aids were recorded in both sexes. Results were analyzed and necessary statistical tests were applied.

Of the 120 individuals interviewed, 95% people were aware of this filariasis elimination MDA programme and the average coverage of DEC Mass Drug Administration was 91.6%. 93.3% people preferred as house to house approach as the best approach. 21.6% of people exposed to side effects following mass drug administration. Albendazole coverage was good that is 90%.

Awareness of this DEC Mass drug administration programme was considerably good. Hence, IEC activities must be maintained and strengthened. IEC activities not only limit for the programme awareness, but also for dose and time of administration, compliance, modes of transmission of disease and possible education about complications of the drug and its management. These will play a critical role in the success of elimination of lymphatic filariasis (ELF) from India by 2015.