India has made significant progress in its fight against lymphatic filariasis (LF), a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms that can cause serious conditions like elephantiasis.

Recently, the National Center for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) launched a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign targeting 63 districts in six states to combat this debilitating disease.

The objective of the campaign was to surpass the 82.5% coverage rate achieved in 2023.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is caused by parasitic worms spread through mosquito bites, causing disabling conditions such as elephantiasis and hydrocele, trapping people in a cycle of poverty and social stigma.

With 740 million people in India at risk, it is important to eliminate LF through comprehensive strategies such as mass drug administration to protect public health.

During the campaign, free medicines were given door-to-door, with both double-drug and triple-drug regimens. However, children under two years of age, pregnant women, and seriously ill individuals were excluded from treatment.

According to Deputy Dr. Amresh Kumar. Director, NTDs and Malaria, PATH, India’s MDA campaign targeted millions of people at risk of LF, and provided medicines to prevent the spread of the disease.

A combination of drugs including ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine and albendazole were used to combat the parasitic worms that cause the disease.

Ensuring complete coverage during an MDA campaign is challenging, especially when people are absent or hesitant in taking the medicine. Logistical barriers such as misdiagnosis and absenteeism can limit medication adherence, threatening disease control efforts.

According to Dr. Kumar, India’s frontline health workers play a vital role in ensuring that people take their medicines.

Through follow-up visits and Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), they work to overcome resistance and educate communities on the importance of medication adherence and mosquito control.

Dr Kumar said, “Post-MDA surveillance is essential to keep an eye on infection levels and prevent resurgence of the disease. Data collection through Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) helps determine whether the affected areas are “Whether or not the infection rate is low enough to close the MDA.”

Digital tools such as the “Sukritya” app in Bihar and the CS Pro app in Uttar Pradesh have improved real-time monitoring and decision making during MDA campaigns, allowing timely interventions.

These efforts are a major step towards eliminating LF in India, but the fight is not over yet. Continued surveillance and community engagement remain key to eradicating this disease forever.