Representative image NEW DELHI: In a major push to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, the Centre on Monday rolled out a nationwide annual mass drug administration campaign across 12 endemic states, signalling a decisive shift in strategy to meet its 2027 elimination target.Launching the campaign, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said the move from biannual to a single, focused drug round each year aims to improve compliance, strengthen surveillance and overcome last-mile gaps that have slowed progress in several districts.Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a mosquito-borne disease that damages the lymphatic system and can cause irreversible swelling of limbs, hydrocele, disability and social stigma. The disease remains endemic in 348 districts across 20 states and Union Territories.While 143 districts have successfully stopped mass drug administration after clearing transmission assessment surveys, nearly half continue to report infection levels above the elimination threshold. Health ministry data show over 6.2 lakh people living with lymphoedema and more than 1.2 lakh hydrocele cases in endemic areas.The current round of annual drug administration is being implemented in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, covering 719 blocks in 124 districts. The objective is to bring microfilaria prevalence below one percent, the benchmark required to interrupt transmission.India has committed to eliminating filariasis as a public health problem by the end of 2027, three years ahead of the global target. Officials said the redesigned annual campaign will allow uninterrupted monitoring, particularly during the monsoon months when drug delivery and follow-up have traditionally suffered.Addressing state health ministers and senior officials, Nadda said filariasis is not just a medical condition but a disease that erodes livelihoods and traps families in long-term economic distress. He stressed the need for direct observation of drug consumption, stronger vector control and sustained community engagement to counter public hesitancy.The programme also places renewed focus on morbidity management, including hydrocele surgeries and care for patients with chronic swelling. Such surgeries are covered under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, while Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are expected to support early detection and follow-up care.Officials said steady gains over the past decade, including improved drug compliance and wider district-level coverage, have laid the groundwork for the final push towards a filariasis-free India.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Pushback Forces White House To Rewrite Trade Deal Factsheet Claims On Tariffs, Tax, PurchasesIndia Need Not Worry About Bangladesh-US Trade Deal: Former Envoy Veena SikriTharoor Praises Parliamentary Panel Meet On India-EU, India-US Trade DealsCongress Moves No-Trust Motion Against Om Birla; Lamborghini CCTV Contradicts Tobacco Tycoon’s Claim‘Not To Get Involved In Political Game’: EU Launches Mission For Bangladesh 2026 PollsNo-Confidence Against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Explained: Process, Rules And Numbers In ParliamentDays Before Bangladesh Elections, Another Hindu Businessman Killed, Fears Rise Over Minority SafetyOpposition targets LS Speaker with no-confidence motion — rules, process & numbers – ExplainedPakistan Admits US-Backed Jihad In Afghan Wars A Mistake, But Still Accuses India Of Proxy War”That Day Will Never Come…” Yogi Adityanath Fires Warning At Those Dreaming Of Babri Structure123Photostories7 buildings in Dubai that are architectural marvels4 life lessons hidden in the Hanuman ChalisaThe 50: From Khanzaadi’s derogatory remarks on Chahat Pandey’s character to Rajat Dalal nominating Karan Patel for not being visible; episode highlights6 climbers to transform your fence or balcony into a floral paradiseFactory making 1800+ liters of milk daily with detergent and urea fertilizer busted in Gujarat: 6 smart ways to check milk purity at homePromise Day special: Bollywood stories where words turn into lifelong vows8 easy buttermilk dishes to add in lunch menu5 succulents that bring you good luck and prosperityFive unforgettable true romance stories that re-wrote love on the big screen: ‘The Vow,’ ‘The Theory of Everything’ and more8 traditional Indian dishes among 50 Best Stews in the World123Hot PicksUAE Public School RegistrationGold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingAndre Grey and Leigh Anne Net WorthAndy ReidSuper BowlMen Hockey Olympics 2026Brock NelsonSidney CrosbyTerence CrawfordNBA Trade RumorsBen OgdenKevin Durant
NEW DELHI: In a major push to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, the Centre on Monday rolled out a nationwide annual mass drug administration campaign across 12 endemic states, signalling a decisive shift in strategy to meet its 2027 elimination target.Launching the campaign, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said the move from biannual to a single, focused drug round each year aims to improve compliance, strengthen surveillance and overcome last-mile gaps that have slowed progress in several districts.Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a mosquito-borne disease that damages the lymphatic system and can cause irreversible swelling of limbs, hydrocele, disability and social stigma. The disease remains endemic in 348 districts across 20 states and Union Territories.While 143 districts have successfully stopped mass drug administration after clearing transmission assessment surveys, nearly half continue to report infection levels above the elimination threshold. Health ministry data show over 6.2 lakh people living with lymphoedema and more than 1.2 lakh hydrocele cases in endemic areas.The current round of annual drug administration is being implemented in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, covering 719 blocks in 124 districts. The objective is to bring microfilaria prevalence below one percent, the benchmark required to interrupt transmission.India has committed to eliminating filariasis as a public health problem by the end of 2027, three years ahead of the global target. Officials said the redesigned annual campaign will allow uninterrupted monitoring, particularly during the monsoon months when drug delivery and follow-up have traditionally suffered.Addressing state health ministers and senior officials, Nadda said filariasis is not just a medical condition but a disease that erodes livelihoods and traps families in long-term economic distress. He stressed the need for direct observation of drug consumption, stronger vector control and sustained community engagement to counter public hesitancy.The programme also places renewed focus on morbidity management, including hydrocele surgeries and care for patients with chronic swelling. Such surgeries are covered under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, while Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are expected to support early detection and follow-up care.Officials said steady gains over the past decade, including improved drug compliance and wider district-level coverage, have laid the groundwork for the final push towards a filariasis-free India.
