Health Minister Unveils MDA Campaign 2024 to Remove Lymphatic Filariasis

Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, the Union minister of state for health & family welfare, virtually initiated the second round of the Bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign aimed at eliminating lymphatic filariasis.

The initiative aims at 63 endemic districts spanning Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, delivering preventive medications door-to-door in endemic regions to help India achieve the goal of eliminating lymphatic filariasis ahead of the global target. Additionally, the 'Revised Guideline on Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis' and IEC material were introduced to offer a clear direction for elimination initiatives.

The event was attended by health ministers from various states like Banna Gupta, Mangal Pandey, Damodar Rajanarasimha, Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Jai Pratap Singh, and Dinesh Gundu Rao.

In his keynote address, Prataprao 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% of all eligible populations consume these medicines.” He emphasized the importance of making consistent efforts to prevent and eradicate lymphatic filariasis in India.