National Drug Distribution Campaign for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis

Why in News?

Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the National Public Drug Distribution Campaign for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in 13 endemic states.

Key Points:

• The initiative aims to save millions of people from the debilitating lymphatic filariasis disease.
• The campaign will cover 111 districts in 13 states- Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
• Starting February 10, medicines will be provided free of cost to over 17.5 crore people in 111 districts.
• Calls for implementation of strategies for elimination of lymphatic filariasis before the 2030 SDG target. 
• Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns involve making anti-filariasis drugs available to all eligible people in lymphatic filariasis-affected areas, regardless of whether they show symptoms or not.
• Drug treatment includes:
  • Double drug regimen (DA): diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) and albendazole
  • Triple drug regimen (IDA): ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC), and albendazole

Lymphatic filariasis:

• It is also commonly called elephantiasis.
• It is a parasitic infection that spreads through mosquito bites.
• The disease affects the body's lymph system.
• It can cause swelling and deformity of the limbs.

Causes of Lymphatic Filariasis:

• Lymphatic Filariasis is caused by three types of parasitic worms (nematodes)-
  • Wuchereria bancrofti (mainly found in India)
  • Brugia malayi
  • Brugia timori
• These parasites enter the body through mosquito bites.
• They settle in the lymph ducts and cause swelling and deformity.

Symptoms of Lymphatic Filariasis:

• There are no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but over time it can affect severely.
• Early symptoms:
  • Mild fever, swelling in lymph nodes, redness in the skin.
• Later symptoms:
  • Excessive swelling in the limbs (especially legs and hands)
  • Swelling in the genitals (hydrocele)
  • Decreased immunity
  • Difficulty in walking and permanent disability