Control of filariasis in India
Rao, C.K.; Sharma, S.P.
Journal of Communicable Diseases 18(4): 276-282
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5138 PMID: 3309032 Document Number: 268030
The National Filaria Control Programme against Bancroftian filariasis was launched in India in 1955. Major changes in strategy, financial outlay and organization occurred between 1956 and 1984. Treatment of the infected population with diethylcarbamazine and vector control are the mainstays of the programmme. The activities of the NFCP for the periods 1956-1961, 1962-1971, 1972-1984 and 1985-1990 are presented and new strategies are planned. Even after more than 25 years of operation, the NFCP covers only a small percentage of the population at a risk (estimated at 252 millions with 18 million acute cases). The enormous costs of extending the NFCP to the 169 endemic districts appear impossible to meet.