Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF), reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminate the disease as a public health problem by 2027—three years ahead of the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 2030.
The launch was held via video conference with health ministers and senior officials from 12 LF-endemic States. The nationwide campaign aims to accelerate efforts to interrupt disease transmission, reduce morbidity, and ensure equitable access to preventive healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the female Culexmosquito and can cause chronic disability, social stigma and economic hardship. LF is currently endemic in 348 districts across 20 States and Union Territories. Of these, 143 districts (41 per cent) have stopped MDA after clearing Transmission Assessment Survey-1, while 174 districts across 14 States continue annual MDA due to microfilaria prevalence above one per cent. Another 31 districts remain at various stages of transmission assessment. As of 2024, endemic districts have reported over 6.2 lakh lymphoedema cases and 1.21 lakh hydrocele cases.
Addressing officials, Nadda explained that LF elimination is not only a health priority but also a social and economic imperative, given its impact on livelihoods and quality of life.
He highlighted progress achieved through mission-mode implementation of MDA, particularly through directly observed treatment, and stressed the need to strengthen vector control and address last-mile challenges such as drug hesitancy through community engagement and awareness.
The minister also emphasised morbidity management and disability prevention, including timely hydrocele surgeries and medicine distribution. He noted that Ayushman Arogya Mandirs can play a key role in early screening and treatment, while hydrocele surgery coverage under Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY provides financial protection to patients.
The current campaign is being implemented across 719 blocks in 124 districts of 12 States. Nadda called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, with active involvement of Panchayati Raj institutions and allied ministries, to bring microfilaria prevalence below one per cent in all endemic areas.
Under the National LF Programme, India has shifted to a unified annual MDA campaign from February 2026, replacing earlier biannual rounds. The move is aimed at improving operational efficiency, surveillance and coverage. MDA coverage has improved from 75 per cent in 2014 to 85 per cent in 2025, while the share of endemic districts stopping MDA has risen from 15 per cent to 41 per cent over the same period.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, including Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, AS & MD (NHM) Aradhna Patnaik, and Joint Secretary (VBD) Nikhil Gajraj, were present at the launch.
