Second phase of nationwide bi-annual MDA campaign 2024 launched to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav launched the second phase of the Bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis elimination. The campaign targets 63 endemic districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. It aims to provide door-to-door administration of preventive medications in endemic areas, advancing India’s goal to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis ahead of the global target. Alongside this, the ‘Revised Guideline on Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis’ and IEC material were unveiled to provide a clear roadmap for elimination efforts.

State Health Ministers who joined the event included Banna Gupta (Jharkhand), Mangal Pandey (Bihar), Damodar Rajanarasimha (Telangana), Dr Mukesh Mahaling (Odisha), Jai Pratap Singh (Uttar Pradesh) and Dinesh Gundu Rao (Karnataka).

In his keynote address, Jadhav stated that “Lymphatic Filariasis, a mosquito-borne disease is preventable through simple measures, therefore, the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) rounds are crucial in halting its transmission.”

Jadhav reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to public health stating, “Preventive measures such as avoiding mosquito bites and consuming anti-filarial medicines are key to stopping the transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis, which affects populations across 20 states and union territories in India. This disease not only impacts health and well-being but also leads to lifelong disability, due to lymphedema, affecting families profoundly. To ensure success in the upcoming MDA rounds it is imperative that 90 per cent of all eligible populations consume these medicines.” He stressed the need to have dedicated efforts to prevent and eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in India.

Jadhav also noted that efforts are being made to ensure pucca houses for people living in mud houses that make them more vulnerable to such diseases. He said efforts will also be made to develop a vaccine for Lymphatic Filariasis. He also highlighted that Disability Certificates are provided to the people affected with Lymphatic Filariasis.

He launched the MDA campaign by consuming the medicine himself and applauded the dedication and efforts of the line ministries, self-help groups, and other stakeholders for their contribution to the success of the campaign.

State Health Ministers spoke about their achievements and efforts in the direction of eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis since the inception of the Elimination of the Lymphatic Filariasis programme in 2004. They also thanked the Union Government for their unwavering support and assured their commitment towards eliminating the disease.

Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and MD (NHM), Health Ministry, stated that Lymphatic Filariasis is a preventable disease and this MDA campaign is currently being launched in 6 states. As part of the second phase of the MDA campaign on 10th August 2024, 63 districts (38 triple drug and 25 double drug), and 771 blocks across 6 states are conducting the MDA campaign. She stated that the focus this time is not only on the distribution of medicines but also to ensure their consumption so that the campaign achieves success.

Vandana Jain, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry emphasised that “Lymphatic Filariasis, a mosquito-borne disease is preventable through simple measures, therefore, the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) rounds are crucial in halting its transmission.”

Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services; Vandana Jain, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry; Dr Tanu Jain, Director, National Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present on the occasion.

Edits made by EH News Bureau