Lymphatic filariasis elimination programme in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India: drug coverage and compliance post eight rounds of MDA

Abstract

Summary Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is endemic in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, including the lone foci for a diurnally sub-periodic form of Wuchereria bancrofti in the Nancowry group of islands. A programme to eliminate LF was launched in 2004 by the Directorate of Health Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration which involved a single annual mass drug administration (MDA) using diethylcarbamazine (DEC) with albendazole. So far, eight rounds of MDA have been implemented through the Public Health Care network. The pattern of antifilarial drug distribution and compliance achieved in the on-going LF elimination programme in these islands has been assessed. This is the first systematic effort undertaken in these remote islands to assess the coverage and compliance with the LF elimination programme. This study covered 900 households in each of the 3 districts. There were a largest number of side effects in the Nicobar district (6.4%). Non-consumption of drugs ranged from 18.6% (Nicobar) to 42% (North and Middle Andaman). A survey revealed that almost 95.3% of the respondents had heard about MDA from the drug distributors. Therefore, the distributors should be involved in programmes designed to educate the community at risk of acquiring filarial infection and the possible side effects of the drugs.