Union Health Minister launches National Mass Drug Administration round for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis across 13 identified LF endemic states

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Elimination through a video conference with State Health Ministers and senior officers of 13 identified LF endemic States. The participants were provided an overview of the campaign, its objectives, the key strategic activities being undertaken, and the critical role of participating states in ensuring high coverage and compliance with the MDA programme. The campaign covers 111 endemic districts across 13 States with door-to-door administration of filaria prevention medications.

The State Health Ministers who participated in the meeting included Satya Kumar Yadav (Andhra Pradesh), Ashok Singhal (Assam), Shyam Bihari Jaiswal (Chhattisgarh), Rushikesh Ganeshbhai Patel (Gujarat), Irfan Ansari (Jharkhand), Dinesh Gundu Rao (Karnataka), Rajendra Shukla (Madhya Pradesh), Mukesh Mahaling (Odisha), Mangal Pandey (Bihar), Prakashrao Abitkar (Maharashtra) and Brijesh Pathak (Uttar Pradesh).

The MDA campaign is a core component of India’s LF elimination strategy, led by the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The programme focuses on the door-to-door administration of anti-filarial medication, ensuring that every eligible individual consumes the prescribed medicine to stop the transmission of the disease. LF, commonly known as “Hathi Paon,” is a parasitic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It can lead to physical disabilities such as lymphoedema (swelling of the limbs) and hydrocele (scrotal swelling) and impose long-term burdens on affected individuals and families.

Speaking at the event, the Union Health Minister emphasised, “An LF-free India is our commitment, and achieving this goal requires the participation of every citizen and with active community involvement. With a shared sense of responsibility, we can eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, ensuring protection for crores”. He adds, “Under the able leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, this campaign will be driven by the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, turning this into a Jan Andolan and with active community participation and a sense of collective ownership, India can eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, ensuring that millions are protected from this disease.” 

Noting that Lymphatic Filariasis incapacitates people and deteriorates their quality of life, Nadda called for the implementation of a five-pronged strategy to ensure that the disease is eliminated much ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal of 2030. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that no one is left out during the MDA campaign which takes place twice a year in 111 districts in 13 states. He stated, “From February 10 onward, these medicines will be made available free of cost to a population of over 17.5 crore across endemic districts. It is imperative that residents in these areas consume the medicines, protecting themselves and their families from this debilitating disease.” Highlighting the importance of achieving high coverage, he underlined, “The endemic districts must ensure that over 90 per cent of the eligible population consume anti-filaria medicines. Our collective commitment and determination will help transform lives and ensure a future free from Lymphatic Filariasis.”

Nadda urged the States/UTs to monitor the campaign at a state level to ensure early diagnosis of affected people. He also called for the personal involvement of the political and administrative leadership at the identified state/district levels for the same.

The Union Minister emphasised the importance of adopting a whole-of-government approach by engaging various ministries and departments to support campaign activities. He highlighted that this integrated approach, coupled with high-level advocacy across allied ministries, would foster intersectoral convergence.

Nadda urged states to implement effective IEC activities to increase awareness among people. He called for engaging digital technologies for wider reach. On this note, he highlighted the good work done by UP and Odisha and appreciated their use of digital technologies effectively.

He underscored the importance of the political involvement of the State Health Ministers. He exhorted them to involve other elected representatives, particularly Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies and Councils, as well as Panchayati Raj Institutions, and encourage their active participation in mobilising communities to ensure the effective implementation of MDA activities.

Nadda stated that efforts are underway to integrate MMDP services fully in Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) facilities for access to better self-care and approximately 50 per cent of lymphodema cases receive Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) kits annually. He stated that under NHM, there is provision for hydrocelectomy surgeries and the PMJAY scheme also has the option of hydrocelectomy for the beneficiaries. He informed that close to 50 per cent of hydrocele surgeries were conducted in endemic states in 2024. He highlighted that through these efforts, Arogya Mandirs would help reduce the burden of LF, allowing affected individuals to lead healthier lives and promoting the vision of a disease-free, developed Viksit Bharat.

The Union Health Minister concluded his address by reiterating the importance of effectively managing this disease which has a high mortality. Noting that this is a last-mile challenge, he urged health workers to work in targeted areas from the ground level in a focused manner. “India has and will continue to remain steadfast in its commitment to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Our resolve is to achieve that target by 2027”, he stated.

Edits made by EH News Bureau