Under the National Filariasis Elimination Programme, the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) strategy for filariasis elimination uses which drug combination in endemic areas?

• A Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) alone annually
• B DEC + Albendazole + Ivermectin (triple drug therapy) annually ✓
• C DEC + Albendazole annually
• D Ivermectin alone every 6 months

Explanation

India adopted Triple Drug Therapy (IDA — Ivermectin + DEC + Albendazole) for MDA in lymphatic filariasis endemic districts starting 2018, replacing the dual drug regimen (DEC + Albendazole). IDA is more effective in rapidly reducing microfilaraemia and accelerating elimination. The MDA is given once annually to all eligible individuals (excluding pregnant women, children <2 years, and the seriously ill).

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.