Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, has launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Elimination through a video conference today. During his address, Mr. Nadda said that India has and will continue to remain steadfast in its commitment to eliminate lymphatic filariasis.

The minister said the government’s resolve is to achieve the lymphatic filariasis elimination target by 2027. He said from today, medicines will be made available free of cost to over 17.5 crore people across 111 endemic districts. The minister 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.

Mr. Nadda urged the states and union territories to monitor the Drug Administration campaign at a state level and ensure the political and administrative leadership at the identified district levels does the same. The minister said that this initiative aims to protect millions from this debilitating disease and accelerate India’s fight against lymphatic filariasis.

Mr. Nadda requested the state health ministers to involve elected representatives, especially members of legislative assemblies and councils and Panchayati Raj institutions, to encourage their active participation in effectively implementing MDA activities.

A five-pronged strategy to combat filaria (Lymphatic Filariasis) typically includes mass drug administration (MDA), morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP), vector control, high-level advocacy, and innovative approaches, which could involve leveraging digital platforms and advanced diagnostics for early detection and treatment.