New Delhi: Union Health & Family Welfare Minister 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, here on Monday.
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 program.
The campaign covers 111 endemic districts across 13 States with door-to-door administration of filaria prevention medications.
The State Health Ministers who participated 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 & Family Welfare.
The program 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, Nadda emphasized, “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”.
Under the able leadership of 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, he reaffirmed.
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 emphasized 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.
Highlighting the importance of achieving high coverage, he underlined that the endemic districts must ensure that over 90pc 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,” he said.
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 emphasized 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 them using digital technologies effectively.
