<p>New Delhi: The government is committed to making India Lymphatic Filariasis-free by 2027, Union Health Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/j-p-nadda">J P Nadda</a> said on Monday while seeking active community involvement to achieve the goal.</p>.<p>Nadda was speaking at the launch of the nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) elimination through a video conference with state health ministers and senior officers of 13 identified LF endemic states.</p>.<p>The campaign covers 111 endemic districts across 13 states with door-to-door administration of filaria prevention medications.</p>.<p>Noting that Lymphatic Filariasis incapacitates people and deteriorates their quality of life, Nadda called for the implementation of a five-pronged strategy to ensure the disease is eliminated much ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal of 2030.</p>.<p>"From February 10 onward, these medicines will be made available free of cost to a population of over 17.5 crore across endemic districts. It is imperative that residents in these areas consume the medicines, protecting themselves and their families from this debilitating disease," he said.</p>.Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: Nadda meets Amit Shah as BJP gets down to picking new CM.<p>Highlighting the importance of achieving high coverage, he underlined, "the endemic districts must ensure that over 90 per cent of the eligible population consume anti-filaria medicines. Our collective commitment and determination will help transform lives and ensure a future free from Lymphatic Filariasis." He urged the states and UTs to monitor the campaign at a state level to ensure early diagnosis of affected people and also sought personal involvement of the political and administrative leadership at the identified state/district levels for the same.</p>.<p>The Union minister emphasised the importance of adopting a whole-of-government approach by engaging various ministries and departments to support campaign activities.</p>.<p>He highlighted that this integrated approach, coupled with high-level advocacy across allied ministries, would foster intersectoral convergence.</p>.<p>Nadda also said that efforts are underway to integrate MMDP services fully in Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) facilities for access to better self-care and added that approximately 50 per cent lymphodema cases receive Morbidity Management and Disability Preventaion (MMDP) kits annually.</p>.<p>He stated that under NHM, there is provision for hydrocelectomy surgeries and PMJAY scheme also has option of hydrocelectomy for beneficiaries.</p>.<p>Close to 50 per cent hydrocele surgeries were conducted in endemic states in 2024, he added.</p>.<p>He highlighted that through these efforts, Arogya Mandirs would help in reducing the burden of LF, allowing affected individuals to lead healthier lives and promoting the vision of a disease-free India.</p>.<p>"India has and will continue to remain steadfast in its commitment to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Our resolve is to achieve that target by 2027", he said while noting it is a last minute challenge..</p>.<p>LF, commonly known as "Hathi Paon," is a parasitic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It can lead to physical disabilities such as lymphoedema (swelling of the limbs) and hydrocele (scrotal swelling) and impose long-term burdens on affected individuals and families.</p>
<p>New Delhi: The government is committed to making India Lymphatic Filariasis-free by 2027, Union Health Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/j-p-nadda">J P Nadda</a> said on Monday while seeking active community involvement to achieve the goal.</p>.<p>Nadda was speaking at the launch of the nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) elimination through a video conference with state health ministers and senior officers of 13 identified LF endemic states.</p>.<p>The campaign covers 111 endemic districts across 13 states with door-to-door administration of filaria prevention medications.</p>.<p>Noting that Lymphatic Filariasis incapacitates people and deteriorates their quality of life, Nadda called for the implementation of a five-pronged strategy to ensure the disease is eliminated much ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal of 2030.</p>.<p>"From February 10 onward, these medicines will be made available free of cost to a population of over 17.5 crore across endemic districts. It is imperative that residents in these areas consume the medicines, protecting themselves and their families from this debilitating disease," he said.</p>.Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: Nadda meets Amit Shah as BJP gets down to picking new CM.<p>Highlighting the importance of achieving high coverage, he underlined, "the endemic districts must ensure that over 90 per cent of the eligible population consume anti-filaria medicines. Our collective commitment and determination will help transform lives and ensure a future free from Lymphatic Filariasis." He urged the states and UTs to monitor the campaign at a state level to ensure early diagnosis of affected people and also sought personal involvement of the political and administrative leadership at the identified state/district levels for the same.</p>.<p>The Union minister emphasised the importance of adopting a whole-of-government approach by engaging various ministries and departments to support campaign activities.</p>.<p>He highlighted that this integrated approach, coupled with high-level advocacy across allied ministries, would foster intersectoral convergence.</p>.<p>Nadda also said that efforts are underway to integrate MMDP services fully in Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) facilities for access to better self-care and added that approximately 50 per cent lymphodema cases receive Morbidity Management and Disability Preventaion (MMDP) kits annually.</p>.<p>He stated that under NHM, there is provision for hydrocelectomy surgeries and PMJAY scheme also has option of hydrocelectomy for beneficiaries.</p>.<p>Close to 50 per cent hydrocele surgeries were conducted in endemic states in 2024, he added.</p>.<p>He highlighted that through these efforts, Arogya Mandirs would help in reducing the burden of LF, allowing affected individuals to lead healthier lives and promoting the vision of a disease-free India.</p>.<p>"India has and will continue to remain steadfast in its commitment to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Our resolve is to achieve that target by 2027", he said while noting it is a last minute challenge..</p>.<p>LF, commonly known as "Hathi Paon," is a parasitic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It can lead to physical disabilities such as lymphoedema (swelling of the limbs) and hydrocele (scrotal swelling) and impose long-term burdens on affected individuals and families.</p>