India launches nationwide campaign to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis ahead of global target

PUNE: Union minister of state for health and family welfare, Professor S P Singh Baghel, inaugurated the first phae phase of the Bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign aimed at eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis. The initiative seeks to halt disease transmission by administering free preventive medications to residents in afflicted areas. Encompassing 92 districts across 11 states, the campaign is scheduled to operate for the subsequent two weeks.
Baghel reaffirmed India's dedication to eradicating Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target. Emphasizing India's resilience against formidable diseases, he highlighted previous successes in tuberculosis (TB) elimination and progress in combatting Kala-Azar. Baghel expressed optimism regarding the campaign's potential for significant achievements, urging for greater efforts to surpass last year's coverage rate of 82.5% and achieve over 95% coverage of the eligible population.
He underscored the importance of a mission-oriented strategy, stressing the necessity for social mobilization and active community involvement to ensure comprehensive awareness. Baghel called for collaboration with relevant departments, including Panchayati Raj, education, rural development, tribal affairs, urban bodies, and medical colleges, to transform the campaign into a grassroots movement.