Will eliminate elephantiasis from India by 2027: Nadda

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda on Monday called for the implementation of a five-pronged strategy to eliminate Lymphatic filariasis (LF) from India by 2027.

Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a painful and profoundly disfiguring disease. It is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms). Nadda launched the annual nationwide mass drug administration (MDA) campaign for LF elimination through video-conferencing.

“An LF-free India is our commitment, and achieving this goal requires the participation of every citizen and active community involvement. With a shared sense of responsibility, we can eliminate LF, ensuring protection for crores of people,” he said, stressing "India has and will continue to remain steadfast in its commitment to eliminate lymphatic filariasis. Our resolve is to achieve that target by 2027.”

The Health Minister said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this campaign would be driven by the spirit of ‘jan bhagidari’, turning it into a ‘jan andolan’. He called for the implementation of a five-pronged strategy to ensure that the disease is eliminated much ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal of 2030.

He also emphasised on the importance of ensuring that no one is left out during the MDA campaign which takes place twice a year in 111 districts in 13 states of India.

“From February 10 onward, medicines will be made available free of cost to a population of over 17.5 crore across endemic districts. It is imperative that residents in these areas consume the medicines, protecting themselves and their families from this debilitating disease,”he said.

He further said the endemic districts must ensure that over 90 per cent of the eligible population consume anti-filaria medicines. He urged the states to monitor the campaign at their level to ensure early diagnosis.