Awareness on lymphatic filariasis: An initiative for elimination.

Objective: An survey was conducted to know and spread awareness in people on various aspects of Filaria, like causative organism, basic treatments, tendency to consume table t and to know if they have seen or observe any cases which is also helpful in estimation of disease burden in particular area. This survey was conducted with an intention to support government Filaria elimination program. Methodology: A well designed quest ionnaire and leaflet on awareness was prepared with the help of clinical pharmacist and standard WHO questionnaire format. With door to door communication and spreading awareness we have received fully filled 100 forms and dispatch leaflets on disease awareness. A percentage analysis for each question was carried out. Results: From the study the data suggest that, 80% aware about the lymphatic Filariasis. 65 % people were aware about the cause of spreading, 60% were aware about its contingency. 95% people have received annual medication from nurses as per government program out of which only 41% people have consume the tablets. 44% have seen the Filaria cases which help in studying the epidemics.100% people have shown willingness to know about the disease and 100% have assured to help in spreading the awareness to others. Conclusion: From the result on awareness on Filaria in semirural area was around 80% and we were able to find the presence of case of Filaria in Killa-Pardi, Valsad. This might be helpful to the government in mapping the disease. The low percentage in medication taking behavior needs to be improved by awareness programs like this.