Health Ministry launches nationwide campaign to combat filariasis

The launch came a month after the programme received resounding support from Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to eliminate filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target.

The Union Health Ministry has launched a nationwide mass drug administration (MDA) campaign aimed at ending filariasis disease transmission through door-to-door administration of anti-filarial drugs, especially in 10 affected States.

High-burden districts in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh jointly launched the campaign, according to a statement issued by the Ministry on Friday.

The launch came a month after the programme received resounding support from Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to eliminate filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target.

India has ramped up efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF), a vector-borne disease caused by culex mosquitoes that leads to disabilities, well ahead of the global targets to safeguard communities from disabilities, as well as from social- and economic insecurity.

“The government of India has already unveiled a renewed five-pronged strategy for the elimination of LF,” the statement said.

Launching the campaign, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, "Collective action is required to tackle LF". He urged all the States to focus on directly-observed therapy rather than distribution of drugs. He emphasised focusing on intensive monitoring at the block level.