Union Minister Nadda Launches Nationwide Mass Drug Administration Campaign

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda today launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) through a video conference with State Health Ministers and senior officials from 12 identified LF-endemic States, marking a significant step towards achieving the national goal of eliminating LF as a public health problem.

The nationwide campaign seeks to accelerate efforts to interrupt disease transmission, reduce morbidity, and ensure equitable access to preventive healthcare interventions for vulnerable populations across the country.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis (Haatipaon), is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the female Culex mosquito, which breeds in polluted and stagnant water.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Nadda reaffirmed the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) by 2027, well ahead of the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 2030. He highlighted that LF not only affects the health and quality of life of patients, but also severely impacts their livelihood, economic productivity, and social well-being, often leading to social stigma and long-term hardship for entire families.

Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ms. Aradhna Patnaik ,AS & MD, NHM, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Shri Nikhil Gajraj, Joint Secretary (VBD), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were present on the occasion.(UPDATED ON 10TH FEBRUARY 2026)