National Symposium on Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine for Lymphatic Filariasis

The 11th National Symposium on Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine for Lymphatic Filariasis and Other Chronic Dermatoses was held by the Institute of Applied Dermatology, Kasargod at Begusarai, Bihar.

Prof. Terence J Ryan Emeritus Professor of Dermatology, Oxford University UK, Prof. Gail Todd Dermatology Department University of Cape Town South Africa, Smt. Alankrita Pandey, Executive Director, Rajya AYUSH Samiti, Bihar and other national and international clinical experts participated in the program.

As a part of the patient house visit, the team met many patients affected by lymphatic filariasis in various villages around Patna. The house visit program was led by IAD Mentor Prof. Terrence j Ryan and Director Dr SR Narahari. Dr Suresh joint advisor ministry of Aysh, director (Ayu) and Dr KS Prasanna Sr. Dermatology consultant of IAD also joined the program.

The team briefed the villagers on the steps for preventing filariasis and treatment procedures to be followed. Treatment kits were also distributed to the patients. IAD also conducted the Filariasis patient examination camp at Begusarai Filariasis Center.

This symposium showcased the progress and success of the project in terms of patients’ and stakeholders’ perspectives. The campaign conducted agenda involved several key steps:

Awareness Campaign, Patient House Visit: IAD conducted community-wide awareness programs to educate people about filariasis, its symptoms, and preventive measures. Distributed informational materials like pamphlets and kits. Educated villagers on self-care, treatment adherence, and addressing the stigma associated with the disease. Met with new Lymphodema patients (more than 5) and villagers suffering from the disease. Promoted the use of bed nets to prevent mosquito bites. Encouraged regular clearing of stagnant water to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

Patient Examination camp; Screening and Diagnosis: Organized free filariasis screening and diagnosis for patients.

Knowledge transfer program: Medical students of Ayurveda medical colleges participated in a patient examination camp, observed the treatment procedures, and clarified their queries on integrated treatment.

Panel Discussion on AYUSH Public Health for Lymphatic Filariasis Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (LFMMDP): Dr Suresh Joint Advisor Ministry of AYUSH, Director (Ayu), Representative of the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, IAD Director SR Narahari, Dr Nandini K Kumar former Deputy Director General Sr. Grade (ICMR) President, Forum for Ethics Review Committees in India Distinguished Scientist Chair, Ministry of AYUSH New Delhi, IAD mentor Prof Terence Ryan Emeritus Professor of Dermatology, Oxford University (Green Templeton College), UK, Prof. Gail Todd Dermatology Department, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Ms Shyamashree Das Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, New Delhi, Dr Munna Kumar Department of Shalakya Tantra Government Ayodhya Shivkumari Ayurved College, Begusarai and Dr Jayaseelan Murugaiyan Professor and Head, Department of Biological Sciences SRM University, Gunturu, Andhra Pradesh participated in the discussion. Prof Terence Ryan delivered a keynote address on Lymphoedema care for endemic countries.

-Manohar Yadavatti