Drug administration drive against lymphatic filariasis launched in 14 Jharkhand districts
Ranchi (PTI): A 16-day mass drug administration (MDA) drive to eliminate lymphatic filariasis was launched in 14 districts of Jharkhand on Tuesday, with the aim of making the state free from the disease by 2029, an official said.
The drive will be conducted from February 10 to February 25 in Ranchi, Bokaro, Deoghar, Dhanbad, East Singhbhum, Garhwa, Giridih, Gumla, Ramgarh, Sahibganj, Lohardaga, Koderma, Pakur and Simdega.
Lymphatic filariasis or elephantiasis is an infectious disease that typically spreads through mosquito bites. It can lead to fluid retention and disfigurement.
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State Programme Officer (Vector-Borne Disease) Dr Birendra Kumar Singh said health workers will administer anti-filariasis drugs to eligible beneficiaries through booths and door-to-door visits. Children below two years of age, pregnant women and seriously ill persons will be excluded from the campaign, he said.
Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari has said the state has set a target to eliminate filariasis by 2029.
In Ranchi, drugs will be administered at 619 booths or camps set up in four affected blocks – Rahe, Sonahatu, Tamar and Kanke – Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said in a statement.
A total population of 4,91,014 has been identified for administration of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole, it said.
The drive is being carried out in these four blocks following detection of filariasis cases during a recent transmission assessment survey, an official said.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
