Dispelling myths is vital in success of Mass Drug Administration

 Mass Drug Administration

Despite the Union Ministry of Health undertaking Mass Drug Administration (MDA) with Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole tablets to fight filariasis, many people refuse to take the tablets due to certain mis-information. It is imperative to address these common myths to make the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign with Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) tablets a success and get the desired results in combating filariasis, a debilitating parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.

Institute of Applied Dermatology (IAD) founder-director Dr S R Narahari said the misconceptions hinder progress of the MDA and it's a must to debunk the myths related to MDA of DEC tablets. "As DEC tablets kill micro-filarial worms in the blood, a bacteria Wolbachia living on the worms also dies. When the bacteria dies, it releases a toxin causing hypotension, redness, fever and nausea. People consider these symptoms as side effects of the MDA. Actually, DEC tablets are safe and well-tolerated when administered correctly. While mild side effects such as nausea and dizziness may occur, serious adverse reactions are rare. The benefits of DEC in preventing filariasis far outweigh its minimal risks," Dr Narahari said.

He said the MDA campaign will become successful only if more than 65% of population in that district take the tablets. "Whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, one needs to take the DEC tablets. Filariasis often remains asymptomatic for years, making symptom-based treatment ineffective. MDA targets entire at-risk populations, interrupting transmission even in asymptomatic individuals. Early intervention prevents disease progression and reduces transmission rates," he said adding community engagement and education are paramount in ensuring MDA success.