Rapid Fire
Campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis
- 11 Feb 2025
- 2 min read
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) elimination.
- Lymphatic Filariasis: LF (elephantiasis), is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic filarial worms ( like Wuchereria bancrofti) and transmitted by mosquitoes.
- Leads to lifelong disabilities like lymphoedema (swollen limbs) and hydrocele (scrotal swelling).
- Morbidity Management & Disability Prevention (MMDP) services (hygiene, skin care, and hydrocele surgeries) help prevent severe disability.
- MDA Campaign: Covers 111 endemic districts in 13 states, aiming to protect over 17.5 crore people and eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027.
- The MDA campaign ensures supervised administration of anti-filarial medicines in LF-endemic areas, using Double (Diethylcarbamazine Citrate and Albendazole) and Triple Drug Regimen (Ivermectin, DEC, and Albendazole)
- MDA aims to stop LF transmission by eliminating filarial parasites from the bloodstream, preventing mosquito transmission.
- The medication is not for children under 2, pregnant women, or seriously ill individuals.
- India’s MMDP Services: Integrated into Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM), with hydrocelectomy (remove a hydrocele) covered under National Health Mission and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
- In 2024, nearly 50% of hydrocele surgeries were done in endemic states.
Read more: Lymphatic Filariasis
