Union Health Minister Launches Nationwide MDA Campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis

New Delhi: The Government has intensified its fight against Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) with the launch of the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda formally inaugurated the initiative via video conference, engaging with State Health Ministers and senior officials from 13 endemic states to ensure its smooth implementation.

The campaign, covering 111 districts, focuses on the door-to-door administration of filaria prevention medication, ensuring that every eligible individual consumes the prescribed doses to halt disease transmission.

Speaking at the launch, Nadda emphasized that eliminating LF is a national priority, urging active community participation. “An LF-free India is our commitment. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this campaign will become a Jan Andolan, ensuring protection for millions,” he said.

LF, commonly known as “Hathi Paon”, is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, leading to lymphoedema (limb swelling) and hydrocele (scrotal swelling), causing long-term disabilities. The National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) under the Health Ministry is leading the MDA campaign as part of India’s five-pronged LF elimination strategy.

From February 10, 2025, over 17.5 crore people across endemic districts will receive free anti-filaria medicine. The campaign aims to ensure 90% drug consumption in affected districts, with state governments closely monitoring progress.

The Union Minister stressed inter-ministerial cooperation, calling for engagement from allied departments to strengthen campaign outreach. He also urged political leaders, including MPs and MLAs, to actively mobilize communities.

Efforts are underway to integrate Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) services into Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) facilities to provide self-care kits for lymphoedema patients. Under NHM and PMJAY, hydrocele surgeries are also covered, with 50% of hydrocele cases operated in 2024 across endemic states.

Nadda reaffirmed India’s target to eliminate LF by 2027, urging health workers to ensure last-mile coverage in endemic areas. “We remain steadfast in our commitment—our resolve is to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027,” he asserted.

The MDA campaign covers Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Senior health officials, including Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, along with Additional Chief Secretaries and NHM representatives from various states, attended the virtual meeting.