Published: 11 February 2026PIBGovernance
Health Minister Nadda Launches Nationwide Mass Drug Administration to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched the annual nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis on February 10, 2026. India targets elimination by 2027, ahead of the SDG 2030 deadline. The campaign covers 124 districts across 12 endemic states and 719 blocks.
Lymphatic Filariasis affects an estimated 2.5 crore people in India. The MDA involves administering anti-filarial drugs (DEC + Albendazole) to the entire at-risk population. Rajasthan's Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur districts are among the targeted areas due to endemic transmission.
0Mains angle
Q: Evaluate India's Mass Drug Administration strategy for eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, highlighting coverage, drug regimen and Centre-state implementation.
Answer (50 words):
Launched by J.P. Nadda on 12 February 2026, the MDA targets elimination by 2027—ahead of the SDG 2030 deadline. It covers 124 endemic districts and 719 blocks across 12 states, reaching 2.5 crore affected people using DEC plus Albendazole. Rajasthan's Barmer, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur fall within this coordinated campaign.
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CoverageNationalTypeCampaignSubjectNationalExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourcePIB
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Linked questionMedium
How many buses were seized during Rajasthan's state-wide inspection after the Jaisalmer bus fire?
Explanation · Correct answer B398 buses were seized and 1,089 fined from 2,000 inspected in Rajasthan's 10-day campaign.
Frequently asked questions
What did Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launch in February 2026?
**Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda** launched the annual **nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign** to eliminate **Lymphatic Filariasis** on **February 12, 2026**. India targets **elimination by 2027**, ahead of the **SDG 2030 deadline**.
What is Lymphatic Filariasis and how many people are affected in India?
**Lymphatic Filariasis** (commonly known as **elephantiasis**) is a parasitic disease caused by filarial worms transmitted by mosquitoes, leading to severe swelling of limbs (lymphoedema). An estimated **2.5 crore people in India** are affected. The MDA campaign covers **124 districts across 12 endemic states**.
What drugs are administered in India's MDA campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis?
India's **MDA for Lymphatic Filariasis** involves administering **DEC (Diethylcarbamazine citrate) + Albendazole + Ivermectin** (triple drug therapy) — the WHO-recommended **IDA regimen** (Ivermectin, DEC, Albendazole). This combination is more effective than the previous two-drug regimen.
How many districts and states are covered under the 2026 Lymphatic Filariasis MDA?
The 2026 **Lymphatic Filariasis MDA** covers **124 districts across 12 endemic states and 719 blocks**. Key endemic states include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and parts of Rajasthan.
What is India's 2027 target for Lymphatic Filariasis elimination and its significance?
India aims to **eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027** — three years ahead of the **WHO/SDG 2030 target**. India has the highest LF burden globally (~40% of world's cases). Achieving elimination would be a major global public health milestone and strengthen India's health diplomacy.
