India has launched a nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign targeting 111 endemic districts across 13 states.

• The initiative aims to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) by 2027 through preventive measures.

About Lymphatic Filariasis

• Lymphatic Filariasis is commonly known as “Hathi Paon” or Elephantiasis.
• It is classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD).
• Causal Agent: Lymphatic Filariasis is caused by parasitic nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea.
• There are three types of filarial worms responsible for the disease:
  • Wuchereria Bancrofti: Responsible for 90% of cases.
  • Brugia Malayi: Causes most of the remaining cases.
  • Brugia Timori : Also contributes to the disease.
• The infection is typically acquired in childhood and causes hidden damage to the lymphatic system.
• Transmission Cycle: Adult worms reside in the lymphatic vessels and produce microfilariae that circulate in the blood.
  • Mosquitoes become infected when they bite an infected host, allowing the larvae to develop and spread to humans through subsequent mosquito bites.
• Impact of Lymphatic Filariasis: The disease leads to severe physical disabilities and long-term health consequences.
  • It causes lymphoedema (swelling of limbs) and hydrocele (scrotal swelling), significantly impacting the quality of life.

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India’s Status on Lymphatic Filariasis

• About 31 million people are estimated to be harbouring microfilaria (mf) and over 23 million suffer from filaria disease manifestations. 
• 90% of India’s LF burden is concentrated in eight states: State of Bihar has highest endemicity (over 17%) followed by Kerala (15.7%) and Uttar Pradesh (14.6%). 
  • Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have about 10% endemicity.
• The Indian government aims to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027 through a combination of:
  • Mass Drug Administration (MDA).
  • Morbidity management.
  • Vector control strategies.

About Mass Drug Administration Campaign

• The MDA campaign involves the supervised administration of a combination of anti-filarial medicines to all eligible individuals in Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)-endemic areas.

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• Medicines are provided regardless of whether individuals show symptoms, ensuring widespread preventive coverage.
• The MDA campaign follows two drug regimens for treatment:
  • Double Drug Regimen (DA) : A combination of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) and Albendazole.
  • Triple Drug Regimen (IDA): A combination of Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC), and Albendazole.
• Implementing Agency: The National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) is responsible for leading the implementation of the MDA campaign.
• Ministry in Charge: The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare oversees and supports the execution of the campaign.
• Objective of the MDA Campaign: The primary goal is to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) from 111 endemic districts across 13 states.
• The campaign aims to eliminate microscopic filarial parasites present in the bloodstream of infected individuals, thereby preventing further transmission.

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