About

• Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease. 
• It is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread-like worms. The adult worms only live in the human lymph system. The lymph system maintains the body’s fluid balance and fights infections. 
• Lymphatic filariasis is spread from person to person by Culex mosquitoes. 
• People with the disease can suffer from lymphedema and elephantiasis and in men, swelling of the scrotum, called hydrocele. 
• Lymphatic filariasis is a leading cause of permanent disability worldwide. 
• These patients are not only physically disabled, but suffer mental, social and financial losses contributing to stigma and poverty.
• Lymphatic filariasis can be eliminated by stopping the spread of infection through preventive chemotherapy with safe medicine combinations repeated annually.

Why in News?

• The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has launched the second phase of the Bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis elimination.
• The campaign targets 63 endemic districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh and will provide door-to-door administration of preventive medications in endemic areas, advancing India’s goal to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis ahead of the global target. 
• Lymphatic Filariasis (Haatipaon) is a priority disease that is targeted for elimination by 2027. 
• Currently, LF has been reported in 345 districts across 20 states and union territories, with 90% of LF burden contributed by 8 states – Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. 
• India has employed a comprehensive five-pronged strategy: Mission mode MDA, Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP), Vector control (Surveillance and Management), High-level advocacy, and Innovative approaches for the elimination of LF.

Related Information

What are NTDs?

• Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of communicable diseases that prevail in tropical and subtropical conditions in more than 140 countries.
• NTDs are caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins. 
• They are called “neglected” because they generally afflict the world’s poor and historically have not received as much attention as other diseases.
• NTD includes Dengue, Blinding trachoma, Human dog-mediated rabies, Leprosy (Hansen disease), Endemic treponematoses (yaws), Human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Leishmaniasis, Lymphatic filariasis, etc.

Control of NTDs

• Most can be controlled or even eliminated through mass administration of safe and effective medicines or other effective interventions.
• Controlling the vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, black flies) that transmit these diseases and improving basic water, sanitation, and hygiene are highly effective strategies against these NTDs
• The World Health Organization has recommended five interventions to overcome Neglected Tropical Diseases. These are: preventive chemotherapy; innovative and intensified disease management; vector ecology and management; veterinary public health services; and provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2044057