“For India, Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is not a neglected disease as may be the case in some other countries, but a priority disease for elimination in a time bound manner. India is committed to eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target through mission mode, multi partner, multi sector, targeted drive for which we have drawn up the roadmap”, stated Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandaviya as he chaired the National Symposium on India’s Roadmap to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 13th January 2023.

The renewed five-pronged strategy for elimination of LF includes:

• Multi-drug administration (MDA) campaign twice a year synchronised with National Deworming Day (10th Feb and 10th August)
• Early diagnosis and treatment; engagement of medical colleges for strengthening morbidity management and disability (MMDP) services
• Integrated Vector Control with multi sectoral coordinated efforts
• Inter sectoral convergence with allied departments and ministries
• Leveraging existing digital platforms for LF and exploring alternate diagnostics

Dr VK Paul, Member (Health) NITI Aayog said that LF affects specific geographies and mostly poor and downtrodden section of our society. He said that morbidity backlog needs to be cleared as soon as possible and urged for innovative practices to reach remotest parts of the country through special camps, private sector and development partners involvement for effective mitigation.  He also pushed for concurrent research through which local evidence-based decision making can take place and mass visibility campaigns at the national, state, district, sub-district and block levels.