Filariasis control in Primary Health Care
Rao, C.K.
Journal of Communicable Diseases 14(3): 206-211
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5138 PMID: 7183720 Document Number: 188317
The National Filaria Control Programme in India, which was begun in 1955, is briefly described. It is estimated that 304 million people, of whom 222 million live in rural areas, are exposed to Wuchereria bancrofti infection in 17 States/Union Territories. 22 million microfilaria carriers and 16 million chronic filariasis cases are estimated to be living in these endemic areas. The aims of primary health care are briefly outlined. At present only 30 million of the urban population is protected through 176 filaria control units. Only 3 endemic rural districts (population 5 million) are involved in control, as a demonstration project. It is considered that the control programme would be more successful if the primary health care staff were involved in the education of the community to make them active seekers of vector control services and in accepting full courses of treatment.