Mission Filariasis-Free: UP Launches Pre-TAS Survey Across 21 Districts With WHO and PATH Support

In a decisive step toward eliminating lymphatic filariasis, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to conduct a Pre-Transmission Assessment Survey (Pre-TAS) from June 25 to July 10 across 152 blocks in 21 districts. The initiative, backed by technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and PATH, aims to evaluate the current status of filariasis transmission and determine the next phase of intervention.

Survey Methodology and Execution

- The Pre-TAS will be conducted using the Night Blood Survey (NBS) method, where blood samples from individuals aged over 20 will be collected after 10 pm, the time when microfilariae are most active in the bloodstream.

- Each selected site will yield 300 blood slides, prepared through both random and sentinel sampling techniques.

- If a site records a microfilaria rate above 1 percent, a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign will be launched in that area. If the rate is below 1 percent, the region will proceed to a Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS), the next step in the elimination protocol.

- Individuals testing positive will receive a 12-day medication course under the supervision of ASHA workers to ensure compliance and recovery.

Targeted Districts and Operational Readiness

- The 21 districts selected for the survey include Amethi, Ballia, Banda, Barabanki, Bareilly, Chandauli, Ghazipur, Gorakhpur, Jalaun, Jaunpur, Kanpur Nagar, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Pilibhit, Pratapgarh, Prayagraj, Rae Bareli, Sant Kabir Nagar, Sultanpur, Unnao, and Varanasi.

- A virtual coordination meeting was recently held by State Filaria Officer Dr AK Chaudhary with district health officials and technical experts from WHO and PATH to finalize protocols and ensure preparedness.

- Health workers have been instructed to collect samples only from awake individuals and to maintain strict safety and hygiene protocols during the night-time operations.

Strategic Significance and Broader Goals

- The Pre-TAS is a critical milestone in India’s national roadmap to eliminate filariasis as a public health problem.

- By identifying residual transmission hotspots, the survey will help optimize resource allocation and guide future interventions.

- The collaboration with WHO and PATH ensures adherence to global best practices and enhances the credibility of the data collected.

Sources: The Daily Jagran, Live Hindustan, WHO.