New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, today virtually launched the second phase of the Bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign aimed at eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis in India. The campaign targets 63 endemic districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step towards advancing India’s goal of eradicating Lymphatic Filariasis ahead of the global target.
The launch event also saw the unveiling of the ‘Revised Guideline on Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis’ and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, designed to provide a clear roadmap for ongoing elimination efforts.
In his keynote address, Prataprao Jadhav emphasized the importance of the MDA campaign, stating, “Lymphatic Filariasis, a mosquito-borne disease, is preventable through simple measures. The Mass Drug Administration rounds are crucial in halting its transmission and protecting the health and well-being of our communities.”
Jadhav reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to public health, highlighting the necessity of preventive measures such as avoiding mosquito bites and consuming anti-filarial medicines. He stressed that Lymphatic Filariasis affects populations across 20 states and union territories in India, leading to lifelong disabilities, including lymphedema, which profoundly impacts families. “To ensure success in the upcoming MDA rounds, it is imperative that 90% of all eligible populations consume these medicines,” he noted, urging dedicated efforts to prevent and eliminate the disease in India.
The Minister also announced ongoing efforts to ensure that vulnerable populations, particularly those living in mud houses, are provided with pucca houses to reduce their risk of infection. He mentioned the government’s initiatives to develop a vaccine for Lymphatic Filariasis and highlighted the provision of Disability Certificates to those affected by the disease.
Jadhav personally participated in the campaign by consuming the anti-filarial medicine, and he applauded the dedication of line ministries, self-help groups, and other stakeholders who have contributed to the success of the campaign.
State Health Ministers from the six targeted states— Banna Gupta (Jharkhand), Shri Mangal Pandey (Bihar), Damodar Rajanarasimha (Telangana), Dr. Mukesh Mahaling (Odisha), Jai Pratap Singh (Uttar Pradesh), and Dinesh Gundu Rao (Karnataka)—joined the event virtually. They shared their achievements and ongoing efforts in eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis since the inception of the National Elimination Programme in 2004. They also expressed their gratitude to the Union Government for its unwavering support and assured their commitment to eradicating the disease.
Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and MD (NHM), Health Ministry, highlighted that the current MDA campaign is being conducted in 63 districts across six states, focusing not only on the distribution of medicines but also on ensuring their consumption to maximize the campaign’s success.
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