Goa has achieved the target of eliminatingfilariaand is expected toreceivea certification from thecentreby the end of this year. Thestatehas not registered a single fresh case since2011-12. It had recorded 96 chroniccasesa decade ago.
The directorate of Health Services (DHS) has also completed a mass drug administration (MDA) programme. This was conducted from 2004 to 2011 in the state. We also did a transmission assessment survey three times in 2013, 2016, and 2019 and tested children born after the completion of the MDA to determine if there was the presence of microfilaria in their blood samples. All test results were negative. Since no new cases have been recorded, we submitted our details to the centre, Mahatme said.
Besides, the 96 chronic filarial patients are monitored by respective health centres. A doctor visits them every two years and they are given a free mobility management kit.