J. P. Nadda launches annual Mass Drug Administration campaign against lymphatic filariasis in 12 states
Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda launched the annual nationwide Mass Drug Administration campaign for eliminating lymphatic filariasis across 12 endemic states on 10 February 2026.
Summary
Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda launched the annual nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) on 10 February 2026, through a video conference with health ministers and officials of 12 endemic states. The campaign covers 719 blocks in 124 districts of 12 states. India aims to eliminate LF as a public health problem by 2027, ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal target of 2030. LF, or elephantiasis, is spread by the female Culex mosquito. It is endemic in 348 districts across 20 states and UTs; 143 districts have stopped MDA after clearing the Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS-1). From February 2026 the programme moved to a single annual MDA campaign, replacing the earlier biannual rounds held on 10 February and 10 August.
Key facts
- Date
- 10 February 2026
- Coverage
- 719 blocks, 124 districts, 12 states
- Elimination target
- 2027 (SDG target 2030)
- Vector
- Female Culex mosquito
- Endemic
- 348 districts in 20 states/UTs
- Change
- Single annual MDA from February 2026, replacing 10 Feb and 10 Aug rounds
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The annual Mass Drug Administration campaign against lymphatic filariasis launched on 10 February 2026 covers how many endemic states?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 12
The campaign covers 719 blocks in 124 districts of 12 states.
From February 2026, India's lymphatic filariasis programme replaced which earlier practice with a single annual MDA campaign?
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Correct answer: D — Biannual rounds on 10 February and 10 August
The unified annual MDA campaign replaces the earlier biannual rounds held on 10 February and 10 August.
Consider the following about lymphatic filariasis (LF) in India: 1. LF is transmitted by the female Culex mosquito. 2. India's target for eliminating LF as a public health problem is 2030, the same as the SDG target. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. India aims to eliminate LF by 2027, ahead of the global SDG target of 2030.