BIG FOOT

At least 20 million people in Bangladesh are suffering from lymphatic filariasis, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. To eradicate the disease, the government has asked for help from the World Health Organisation. A project entitled 'Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis' will be soon implemented, says a joint secretary of the health ministry. He further stated that the project would be launched from Panchagarh, an endemic area of 13 northern districts, starting from January 1, 2001. In the first phase of the programme, Diethyl Carbamazine and Albendazole tablets will be distributed to the people in 81 districts till 2005. The rest of the 46 districts of the country will be covered from 2006 to 2010.