India turns to annual anti-drug campaign to eradicate elephantiasis by 2027 | India News

NEW DELHI: In a major push to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, the Center on Monday launched its annual mass drug administration campaign across the country in 12 endemic states, marking a decisive shift in strategy to achieve the elimination target by 2027.Launching the campaign, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said the shift from twice-yearly to annual centralized rounds of drugs is aimed at improving compliance, enhancing surveillance and overcoming last-mile gaps that have slowed progress in several districts.Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a mosquito-borne disease that damages the lymphatic system and can lead to irreversible swelling of the limbs, hydrocele, disability and social stigma. The disease remains endemic in 348 districts across 20 states and union territories.Although 143 districts have successfully stopped mass drug administration after completing transmission assessment surveys, nearly half reported infection levels still above the elimination threshold. Data from the Ministry of Health show that more than 620,000 people suffer from lymphedema and more than 120,000 people suffer from hydrocele in endemic areas.This round of annual drug management is being implemented in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, covering 719 blocks in 124 districts. The goal is to reduce microfilariae prevalence to less than one percent, the benchmark needed to interrupt transmission.India has committed to eliminating filariasis as a public health problem by the end of 2027, three years ahead of the global target. Officials said the redesigned annual campaign will allow for uninterrupted monitoring, especially during the monsoon months when drug delivery and follow-up are traditionally affected.Addressing state health ministers and senior officials, Nadda said filariasis is not just a medical condition but a disease that erodes livelihoods and plunges families into long-term financial hardship. He stressed the need for direct observation of drug consumption, enhanced vector control and sustained community engagement to combat public hesitancy.The program also refocused on morbidity management, including hydrocele surgery and care of patients with chronic swelling. Such surgeries are covered under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance plan and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are expected to support early detection and follow-up care.Steady progress over the past decade, including improved drug compliance and expanded regional coverage, has laid the foundation for India to eventually become filariasis-free, officials said.