**Kanpur: Filariasis Elimination Efforts Gain Momentum Ahead of 2027 Target**
Efforts to meet the 2027 target for filariasis elimination gained significant momentum on Monday with the third state-level workshop held in Kanpur. The event brought together health experts, academicians, researchers, and program managers who emphasized the need to strengthen program coverage, improve diagnostic efficiency, and ensure better patient care.
Organized by AIIMS Raebareli, the session also underlined the importance of community engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and innovation as key tools to accelerate elimination efforts. Multiple stakeholders gathered for dialogue and problem-solving with the objective of preparing a joint action plan to help Uttar Pradesh achieve its 2027 goal.
Dr. Bhola Nath and Dr. Saurabh Pal from AIIMS’ Community Medicine Department presented an overview of the current filariasis landscape in the state and outlined the roadmap for elimination. They noted that this was the third workshop in a series following those held in Lucknow and Raebareli, with a fourth scheduled in Gorakhpur on October 6.
Recommendations and implementation suggestions collected from all sessions will be submitted to senior officials for further action.
### Addressing Coverage Gaps and Diagnostic Advancements
Dr. Siddharth Dutt analyzed the coverage gaps in the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign, discussing reasons behind non-compliance and involving participants in brainstorming practical solutions.
Highlighting advancements in disease surveillance, Dr. Sana Islahi of AIIMS’ Microbiology Department emphasized the role of point-of-care diagnostic technologies in strengthening early detection.
### Focus on Patient Care and Morbidity Management
The final session focused on patient care and morbidity management. Dr. Deepak Rajput from AIIMS Surgery spoke about training frameworks designed for health workers, aiming to enhance their capabilities in managing filariasis complications.
Dr. Tanuj Sharma from the World Health Organization (WHO) underscored the importance of Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) programs and stressed the need for grassroots capacity building.
### Collaborative Efforts and Forward Path
The workshop also featured valuable inputs from Chief Medical Officers of Kanpur and Kannauj, officials from the Union Health Ministry, and representatives from the Gates Foundation.
These deliberations created a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and are expected to bridge existing gaps in Uttar Pradesh’s filariasis elimination program, bringing the state closer to achieving the 2027 target.
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*Stay tuned for updates from the upcoming fourth workshop in Gorakhpur and ongoing efforts towards a filariasis-free Uttar Pradesh.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-news-kanpur-hosts-third-state-level-workshop-to-accelerate-filariasis-elimination-ahead-of-2027-target
