Nationwide Filariasis Testing Campaign to Begin Next Week

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced the commencement of a nationwide filariasis testing campaign starting next week. 

This initiative comes in response to the recent identification of cases of eradicated filariasis in the Maldives, prompting the need for widespread health screenings.

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The initial phase of the testing campaign will focus on Male’ and Hulhumale’, with additional screenings planned for Villimale’, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. 

The HPA aims to conduct at least 70 random samples daily during the campaign, which is open to both local residents and foreigners. Specific age groups will be targeted for screening to ensure a thorough examination.

The presence of filariasis was first detected during a migrant health screening program in Kulhudhufushi city on the 14th of last month. Subsequent testing has revealed positive cases among foreign workers, constituting the 32 currently identified cases in the country.

In response to these findings, the government has taken the proactive step of mandating medical check-ups for foreign workers upon entry into the country. This measure is intended to mitigate the risk of infectious diseases spreading within the population.