Technical Support for Hogenakkal Water Supply and Fluorosis Mitigation Project

The project covers two districts in Tamil Nadu namely Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri. This was funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Technical Support was provided by STEM for 54 months to this project. A survey was conducted among 424047 Students and 667224 households of both the districts for identification of dental fluorosis in school children, and skeletal and non-skeletal fluorosis among population of project areas. The survey covered three Municipalities, 17 Town Panchayats and 6755 rural habitations (in 18 Panchayat Unions & 588 Villages).

The doctors, teachers and community health workers were trained to identify people with symptoms of fluorosis. Diagnosis and referral slips were developed for use by doctors. Health facilities were provided with micronutrients for distribution to people in need. People with dental, skeletal and non-skeletal fluorosis were identified and provided with micronutrients. Corrective surgery for skeletal fluorosis patients was suggested. Also provision for providing prosthetic support to the people affected with severe musculoskeletal symptoms of fluorosis, was under the project. An impact assessment at the health interventions were effective in reducing the symptoms of non-skeletal fluorosis. Also there was a change in fluoride levels in urine samples of the people due to various project interventions.