The state government has initiated various programs for the eradication of filariasis since 2002, when 10 districts had a high incidence
The state government has initiated various programs for the eradication of filariasis since 2002, when 10 districts had a high incidence
The central government has declared five districts of Andhra Pradesh as filariasis free.
According to a release issued by the health department on Sunday, the districts which have no case of filariasis, commonly known as Hathipaon, include the erstwhile Srikakulam, Krishna, Prakasam, Nellore and Chittoor districts.
With a high incidence in 10 districts including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Nellore and Chittoor, the state government has initiated various programs to eradicate filariasis since 2002.
The state government implemented disease eradication programs in the state between 2004 and 2013 and as a result, five districts are free from filariasis cases.
Meanwhile, the erstwhile East Godavari district has been declared the top performer in the anti-leprosy campaign.
Due to effective implementation of National Leprosy Eradication Program, no new case of leprosy has been reported in the district in the last three years.
Officials said that grassroots screening and awareness campaigns by ASHA workers, ANMs and village volunteers helped the district avoid the spread of the disease.
Health Minister Vidadala Rajani and Principal Secretary (Health) MT Krishna Babu congratulated the concerned district officials.