Kamal Ghorui
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.
