A Renewed Push Towards a Filariasis-Free India
Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda on 10th February 2026 launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) through a video conference with State Health Ministers and senior officials from 12 endemic States. With this initiative, the Government of India has reinforced its commitment to eliminate LF as a public health problem by 2027—three years ahead of the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 2030.
As reported by pib.gov.in, the nationwide campaign aims to interrupt disease transmission, reduce morbidity, and ensure equitable access to preventive healthcare for vulnerable populations across endemic regions.
Understanding the Burden of Lymphatic Filariasis
Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis or Haatipaon, is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the female Culex mosquito, which breeds in polluted and stagnant water. The infection damages the lymphatic system and often leads to chronic swelling (lymphoedema), hydrocele, disability, and social stigma.
Currently, LF remains endemic in 348 districts across 20 States and Union Territories. Of these:
- 41% (143 districts) have stopped MDA after successfully clearing Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS-1).
- 50% (174 districts across 14 States) continue annual MDA due to microfilaria prevalence above 1%.
- 9% (31 districts) remain at various stages of transmission assessment.
As of 2024, endemic districts have reported over 6.20 lakh cases of lymphoedema and 1.21 lakh cases of hydrocele, highlighting the urgent need for sustained action.
Elimination as a Social and Economic Imperative
Addressing the gathering, Shri Nadda emphasized that LF affects not only physical health but also livelihoods, economic productivity, and social well-being. He noted that the disease often leads to stigma and long-term hardship for families. Therefore, eliminating LF is not merely a health priority but a broader social and economic necessity.
He highlighted the progress achieved through mission-mode implementation of MDA, particularly through directly observed treatment, which has produced encouraging results on the ground. However, he stressed the need to strengthen vector control measures alongside sustained MDA efforts to effectively interrupt transmission.
Addressing Last-Mile Challenges
The Minister underscored the importance of ensuring direct observation of drug consumption to improve compliance. He also pointed out that public hesitancy toward medication remains a key challenge. To overcome this, he called for intensified awareness campaigns, community engagement, effective grievance redressal mechanisms, and trust-building initiatives.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need to strengthen Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP), including timely hydrocele surgeries and medicine distribution, to enhance patients’ quality of life. He noted that Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) can play a crucial role in early screening, prompt treatment, and prevention of complications.
Importantly, hydrocele surgery is now covered under Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), ensuring financial protection and improved access to care.
Current Campaign Coverage and Targets
The ongoing campaign spans 719 blocks across 124 districts in 12 States. Shri Nadda stressed the need to reduce microfilaria prevalence below 1% in all endemic areas. To achieve this goal, he called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, involving Panchayat representatives, particularly the Pradhans of all 719 blocks, as well as allied ministries and departments.
Such coordinated action, he said, will accelerate progress toward achieving a filariasis-free India by 2027.
Transition to a Unified Annual MDA Strategy
India has intensified its elimination efforts through an Enhanced Five-Pronged Strategy, with MDA as its central pillar. From February 2026, the National LF Programme has transitioned to a unified annual MDA campaign, replacing the earlier biannual rounds held in February and August alongside National Deworming Day.
This strategic shift addresses operational challenges such as monsoon disruptions, logistical constraints, limited surveillance time, and the burden of conducting two annual rounds. At the same time, it enables streamlined implementation, stronger supervision, improved coverage, and adequate time for surveillance activities, including:
- Night Blood Surveys
- Pre-TAS and TAS
- Impact Surveys
- Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) interventions
Through this transition, the government aims to enhance programme efficiency and accelerate elimination efforts.
Measurable Progress and Expanding Coverage
Sustained efforts have significantly improved MDA coverage. Coverage among the total population increased from 75% in 2014 to 85% in 2025, driven by a strong emphasis on directly observed drug consumption.
Moreover, the proportion of endemic districts that successfully stopped MDA after clearing TAS-1 rose from 15% (39 districts) in 2014 to 41% (143 districts) in 2025.
Medical college participation in Coverage Evaluation Surveys expanded dramatically—from just 1% in 2019 to 96% in 2024, with 199 colleges actively engaged. States have also strengthened digital reporting through the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP), updating line lists of microfilaria-positive, lymphoedema, and hydrocele cases.
Between 2023 and 2025, the number of blocks conducting MDA declined by 32%, reflecting progress in interrupting transmission. In 2025 alone, the campaign covered 14 States, 161 districts, and 1,090 blocks, targeting 21.71 crore people. The programme achieved 96% coverage of the eligible population, with 18.48 crore individuals consuming anti-filarial drugs.
Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Collaboration
Achieving over 90% drug compliance requires extensive household-level outreach and sustained community engagement. Accordingly, the government has actively involved allied ministries and departments, including Panchayati Raj, Rural Development (NRLM), Women and Child Development, Education, Youth Affairs, Tribal Affairs, and Agriculture.
For the 10 February 2026 MDA campaign, authorities have provisionally identified 124 districts (55 DA and 69 IDA) across 12 States. The launch aims to secure high-level political commitment, strengthen inter-sectoral coordination, enhance campaign visibility, and mobilize communities nationwide.
Leadership Presence at the Launch
Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Ms. Aradhna Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, NHM; and Shri Nikhil Gajraj, Joint Secretary (VBD), were present at the launch event.
Through sustained political will, strengthened community engagement, and coordinated implementation, India is steadily advancing toward its goal of eliminating lymphatic filariasis by 2027.