Lymphatic filariasis elimination has received a fresh push with the launch of the annual nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign across endemic States. The initiative aims to interrupt transmission, reduce disability, and move India closer to eliminating the disease as a public health problem by 2027, ahead of the global SDG target of 2030.
What Is Lymphatic Filariasis?
Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis or Haatipaon, is a vector-borne disease spread by the female Culex mosquito. It breeds in polluted and stagnant water. The infection damages the lymphatic system and can cause chronic swelling, disability, and social stigma.
Campaign Coverage And National Status
India has identified 348 endemic districts across 20 States and Union Territories. Of these:
- 143 districts have stopped MDA after clearing Transmission Assessment Survey-1.
- 174 districts continue annual MDA because microfilaria rates remain above 1 per cent.
- 31 districts are at different stages of transmission assessment.
As of 2024, more than 6.20 lakh lymphoedema cases and 1.21 lakh hydrocele cases were reported from endemic districts.
Strategy For Elimination
The programme now follows an enhanced five-pronged strategy. From February 2026, the National LF Programme shifted to a unified annual MDA round, replacing the earlier biannual schedule. The change is meant to reduce logistical burden, avoid monsoon disruption, improve supervision, and allow more time for surveillance and morbidity management.
Implementation And Public Health Measures
The 2025 campaign covered 14 States, 161 districts and 1,090 blocks, targeting 21.71 crore people and achieving 96 per cent coverage of the eligible population. Directly observed drug consumption remains central to the strategy. The campaign also stresses vector control, community awareness, grievance redressal, and household-level mobilisation to improve compliance above 90 per cent. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are expected to support early screening and treatment, while hydrocele surgery is covered under Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026