The Union Health Ministry has launched a national Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to eradicate lymphatic filariasis. The campaign is launched with the goal of eliminating filarial disease transmission through door-to-door administration of anti-filarial drugs, particularly in the ten affected states. The campaign has been launched jointly by Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Target to eliminate filariasis by 2027
This announcement comes one month after the health minister received Mansukh Mandaviya’s enthusiastic support for eliminating filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target. India has increased its efforts to eradicate lymphatic filariasis (LF). It is a vector-borne disease transmitted by Culex mosquitos that causes disability in humans. The campaign was launched to safeguard communities against disabilities as well as social and economic insecurity.
“All states should focus on eliminating filariasis”
According to the ministry’s statement, the Government of India has already unveiled a new five-pronged strategy for LF eradication. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, who launched the campaign, stated that LF requires collective action. He urged all states to prioritise direct medical care over medication distribution. At the same time, he emphasised the importance of intensive monitoring at the block level.
Good practices to eliminate filariasis
The Health Secretary has called for daily coverage analysis and monitoring reports at all levels, as well as monitoring the monitors to ensure quality data. According to the statement, the health secretary suggested that the good practices of the states be adopted by other states as well. Filariasis will be eradicated in India by 2027. According to the health secretary, it is past time to align this goal with the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to eliminate all forms of hunger, disability, and disease.
Chhattisgarh will conduct the rounds in two endemic districts, and rapid response teams will be deployed.
