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New Delhi, 10 August 2024 — In a significant step toward eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, today virtually launched the second phase of the Bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign. The campaign targets 63 endemic districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, and will see door-to-door administration of preventive medications in these areas, bringing India closer to its goal of eliminating LF ahead of the global target.
During the launch event, Shri Jadhav also released the ‘Revised Guideline on Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis’ along with Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, providing a comprehensive roadmap for the campaign. State Health Ministers from the affected regions, including Shri Banna Gupta (Jharkhand), Shri Mangal Pandey (Bihar), Shri Damodar Rajanarasimha (Telangana), Dr. Mukesh Mahaling (Odisha), Shri Jai Pratap Singh (Uttar Pradesh), and Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao (Karnataka), were present at the event, affirming their commitment to the national goal of LF elimination.
In his keynote address, Shri Prataprao Jadhav emphasized the preventability of Lymphatic Filariasis, a mosquito-borne disease, through simple yet effective measures. “The Mass Drug Administration (MDA) rounds are crucial in halting the transmission of this debilitating disease. Preventive measures such as avoiding mosquito bites and consuming anti-filarial medicines are key to stopping Lymphatic Filariasis, which affects populations across 20 states and union territories in India,” he stated.
Highlighting the broader impact of the disease, Shri Jadhav noted, “Lymphatic Filariasis not only affects health but can also lead to lifelong disability due to lymphedema, profoundly impacting families. To ensure success in the upcoming MDA rounds, it is imperative that 90% of all eligible populations consume these medicines.” He further stressed the need for dedicated efforts to eliminate LF in India, with ongoing initiatives to ensure pucca houses for those living in vulnerable mud houses and exploring vaccine development for LF.
The MDA campaign was symbolically launched by Shri Jadhav consuming the preventive medication himself, showcasing the government’s commitment to public health. He applauded the contributions of line ministries, self-help groups, and other stakeholders in ensuring the success of the campaign. The State Health Ministers also highlighted their respective achievements in the fight against LF, thanking the Union Government for its unwavering support.
Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and MD (NHM), Health Ministry, provided an update on the campaign, stating, “As part of the second phase of the MDA campaign on 10th August 2024, 63 districts (38 triple drug & 25 double drug) across 771 blocks in 6 states are conducting the campaign. This time, the focus is not only on the distribution of medicines but on ensuring their consumption to achieve success.”
Lymphatic Filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis (Haatipaon), is a serious disease transmitted through the bite of Culex mosquitoes. Infection, usually acquired in childhood, causes hidden damage to the lymphatic system, with visible manifestations such as lymphedema and elephantiasis appearing later in life, leading to permanent disability.
India’s strategy to eliminate LF by 2027 includes annual bi-annual Mass Drug Administration campaigns, morbidity management, vector control, and high-level advocacy. In 2023, the MDA campaign reached 82% coverage nationally, with efforts continuing to exceed a 90% consumption rate in eligible populations.
As India continues its fight against Lymphatic Filariasis, the commitment shown in the second phase of the MDA campaign is a critical step toward achieving the national goal of eliminating the disease, improving public health, and reducing the burden of LF across the country.
