Union Health Minister Launches National Mass Drug Administration Campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027.
Initiative to Protect 17.5 Crore People in 13 States as India Ramps Up Efforts to Eliminate Debilitating Disease.
New Delhi:
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, today launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign aimed at eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) across 13 endemic states. Speaking via video conference, Nadda outlined the government’s strategic approach to combat LF, emphasizing the importance of widespread community involvement and active participation from all levels of government.
The MDA campaign, which will run from February 10, targets 111 districts in endemic areas across Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Over 17.5 crore people in these areas will receive free anti-filarial medication aimed at halting the transmission of LF. The medicines will be distributed through door-to-door administration by trained health workers, ensuring maximum coverage and effectiveness.
“Lymphatic Filariasis is a debilitating disease that impacts millions, but we are determined to eliminate it by 2027,” said Nadda. He stressed that the fight against LF is integral to India’s broader public health goals and that the participation of every citizen, particularly in endemic areas, is crucial for success.
The MDA initiative is a core element of the government’s strategy, led by the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), to eliminate LF in line with India’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The Union Health Minister highlighted the government’s five-pronged strategy to eradicate LF, which includes door-to-door drug administration, early diagnosis, and a robust awareness campaign.
“The fight against Lymphatic Filariasis is a national cause, and we need a whole-of-government approach to make it a success,” he said. He urged political and administrative leaders in the affected states to ensure that the campaign reaches every eligible person, particularly in remote areas, and to monitor the campaign’s progress closely. He also called for enhanced public awareness efforts through digital platforms and grassroots initiatives.
To support the MDA campaign, Nadda highlighted the role of Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) facilities in providing access to Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) services, which have been helping reduce the burden of LF-related conditions. He also noted that hydrocelectomy surgeries, an important aspect of LF treatment, are being offered through the PMJAY scheme.
The Union Health Minister’s commitment to an LF-free India was underscored by his call to make this initiative a “Jan Andolan,” with active involvement from all sectors of society. “Through collective action, we can eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis and ensure that millions are protected from this life-altering disease,” he said.
The MDA campaign is being closely monitored by the Health Ministry and state health departments to ensure the effective administration of drugs. The medicines, which include Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) and Albendazole, are administered based on the prevalent regimens in the regions. Public health workers are also tasked with ensuring that the medication is taken under supervision to prevent misuse or wastage.
Nadda concluded by reaffirming India’s commitment to eradicating LF by 2027, stressing that the country is on track to meet this ambitious goal with collective effort and determination.
