Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri 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 today. 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 Shri Satya Kumar Yadav (Andhra Pradesh), Shri Ashok Singhal (Assam), Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal (Chhattisgarh), Shri Rushikesh Ganeshbhai Patel (Gujarat), Shri Irfan Ansari (Jharkhand), Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao (Karnataka), Shri Rajendra Shukla (Madhya Pradesh), Shri Mukesh Mahaling (Odisha), Shri Mangal Pandey (Bihar), Shri Prakashrao Abitkar (Maharashtra) and Shri 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, the Union Health Minister 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 our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, 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, Shri 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. It is imperative that residents in these areas consume the medicines, protecting themselves and their families from this debilitating disease.” Highlighting the importance of achieving high coverage, he underlined, “the endemic districts must ensure that over 90% 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.”

Shri 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.

Shri 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.

He underscored the importance of political involvement of the State Health Ministers. He exhorted them to involve other elected representatives, particularly Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies and Councils, as well as Panchayati Raj Institutions, and encourage their active participation in mobilizing communities to ensure the effective implementation of MDA activities.

Shri Nadda stated that efforts are underway to integrate MMDP services fully in Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) facilities for access to better self-care and approximately 50% lymphodema cases receive Morbidity Management and Disability Preventaion (MMDP) kits annually. He stated that under NHM, there is provision for hydrocelectomy surgeries and PMJAY scheme also has option of hydrocelectomy for the beneficiaries. He informed that close to 50% hydrocele surgeries were conducted in endemic states in 2024. He highlighted that through these efforts, Arogya Mandirs would help in reducing the burden of LF, allowing affected individuals to lead healthier lives and promoting the vision of a disease-free, developed Viksit Bharat.

The Union Health Minister concluded his address by reiterating the importance of effectively managing this disease which has a high mortality. Noting that this is a last mile challenge, he urged health workers to work in targeted areas from the ground level in a focused manner. “India has and will continue to remain steadfast in its commitment to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Our resolve is to achieve that target by 2027”, he stated.

About MDA:

The MDA campaign, will cover 111 endemic districts across 13 states—Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. This campaign reaffirms the government's unwavering commitment to eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis through comprehensive prevention strategies, enhanced awareness, and ensuring widespread compliance with MDA.

The Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign involves the supervised administration of a combination of anti-filarial medicines to all eligible individuals in LF-endemic areas, regardless of whether they show symptoms. The medication regimen includes:

• Double Drug Regimen (DA): Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) and Albendazole
• Triple Drug Regimen (IDA): Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC), and Albendazole

The goal of MDA is to reduce the spread of LF by eliminating the microscopic filarial parasites present in the bloodstream of infected individuals, thus preventing further transmission by mosquitoes. While the MDA medication is extremely safe and effective, it should not be consumed on an empty stomach. The following groups should not consume the drugs:

- Children below 2 years of age

- Pregnant women

- Seriously ill individuals

All other eligible individuals should consume the medicine in the presence of a trained health worker to ensure proper consumption and avoid wastage or misuse.

Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Addl. Secretary and MD (NHM), Health Ministry; senior officials of the Union Health Ministry and Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary and MD (NHM) from states were present in the meeting.

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HFW/HFM Meeting with 13 States/10Feb2025/1