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India Launches 2026 Mass Drug Round to Eliminate Filariasis by 2027

Officials emphasize supervised dosing with rapid adverse‑reaction response to strengthen uptake of WHO‑recommended regimens.

Overview

  • The Union Health Minister opened the nationwide campaign across 124 endemic districts in 12 states, with fresh drives active in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Odisha.
  • Uttar Pradesh began a door‑to‑door effort through February 28 to administer age‑appropriate ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine and albendazole to about 14 million eligible people.
  • Bihar started an 18‑day round targeting roughly 8.97 crore residents with strict directly observed treatment and large rapid‑response teams to manage adverse drug reactions.
  • Gujarat is conducting a third‑round MDA from February 10–12 for over 5.48 lakh people in four talukas identified after night blood surveys detected filarial parasites.
  • Authorities report 41% of the 348 endemic districts have cleared transmission assessments and stopped MDA, while digital monitoring, modelling and expanded morbidity care are being used to close last‑mile gaps.