Context:

Recently, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare launched the first phase of the Bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis elimination. 

About Lymphatic Filariasis: It is a Neglected Tropical and a Vector-Borne Disease.

• Caused by: Lymphatic filariasis is commonly known as elephantiasis, results from parasitic (nematodes (roundworms)) worms transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, infiltrating the lymphatic system and disrupting fluid balance, causing extensive swelling—lymphedema.

• Three Types of Thread-like Filarial Worms causes Lymphatic Filariasis

• • Wuchereria bancrofti– responsible for 90% of the cases
  • Brugia malayi– causes most of the remainder of the cases,
  • Brugia timori– also causes the disease.
• Symptoms: It may be asymptomatic, acute and chronic conditions.
• Treatment: The World Health Organization recommends three drug treatments, known as IDA, a combination of ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine citrate and albendazole.

Lymphatic Filariasis Disease Incidence in India

• The 11 Endemic States: Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Gujarat.
• Endemic Districts: Currently, there are 345 lymphatic filariasis endemic districts in 20 states and union territories of the country. 
  • 75% of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) districts are from 5 states Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, Odisha and Telangana. 
    • Despite more than 15-20 rounds of MDA, only 138 districts have closed MDA.

India’s Initiatives for Lymphatic Filariasis Eradication:

• A Five-pronged Strategy: India has recently taken several measures to accelerate progress towards the goal of eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis. The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare launched an advanced five-pronged strategy for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027.
  • One of the important strategies is ‘Mission Mode India MDA Campaign’ National Deworming Day (NDD) celebrated twice a year on 10 February and 10 August.
• Nationwide Mass Drug Administration Campaigns: India is committed to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target using a mission-driven strategy.
• A Collaborative Approach: India is following this collaborative approach through Jan Bhagidaari and the Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach.

Global Efforts For Lymphatic Filariasis Eradication

• Mosquito Control: By using insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, supplements preventive chemotherapy.
• Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF): GPELF is WHO’s initiative launched in 2000 to eradicate elephantiasis.
  • It targets post-mass drug administration (MDA) surveillance in all endemic countries and ultimately reduces the population needing MDA to zero.
  • It focuses on stopping infection spread and providing essential care to affected individuals. 
  • It aims to alleviate suffering among people affected by the disease through morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP).
• WHO’s Road Map 2021−2030: It sets global targets and milestones to prevent, control, eliminate or eradicate 20 diseases including elephantiasis.

News Source: PIB