Lymphatic Filariasis
- Commonly known as elephantiasis (Haatipaon)
- It is serious debilitating disease caused by parasitic worms known as Filarial worms
- Transmitted through the bite of Culex mosquito that breeds in dirty or polluted water.
- Infection is usually acquired in childhood causing hidden damage to the lymphatic system with visible manifestations which occur later in life and can lead to permanent disability.
- It is a priority disease that is targeted for elimination by 2027.
- In India, 90% of the burden is contributed by 8 states
- Bihar
- Chhattisgarh
- Jharkhand
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Odisha
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Currently, there is no vaccination available for it.
- The Union Health Minister JP Nadda, launched National Mass Drug Administration Round for the elimination of the disease across 13 identified LF endemic states.
- The medicine will be available free of cost across 111 endemic districts.
- Calls for implementation of five pronged strategy for eliminating LF ahead of the SDG goals of 2030.
