Home / Health / Maharashtra Battles Filaria: Mass Drug Campaign Launches Feb 10
Maharashtra Battles Filaria: Mass Drug Campaign Launches Feb 10
5 Feb
Summary
- 28,114 filaria cases recorded in Maharashtra in 2025.
- Nagpur division had 21,664 cases, mainly in Chandrapur and Gadchiroli.
- Mass drug administration will target 1.5M beneficiaries across three districts.
In 2025, Maharashtra reported a significant number of filariasis cases, totaling 28,114. The Nagpur division alone accounted for 21,664 cases, with Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts being particularly affected. Many of these individuals suffer from lymphedema, a chronic condition characterized by severe swelling, often in the legs, due to lymphatic system damage. There is no permanent cure for this advanced stage of the disease.
To address this public health concern, Maharashtra is launching a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign on February 10. This initiative aims to eliminate filariasis by administering anti-filarial medicines. The campaign will target 1,527,813 beneficiaries across 11 blocks in Chandrapur, Bhandara, and Gadchiroli districts.
Health officials emphasize that annual consumption of anti-filarial medicines is the only effective preventive measure. The MDA round will involve trained health workers conducting supervised administration of a three-drug regimen, including DEC, Albendazole, and Ivermectin. The World Health Organization will monitor the program's implementation to ensure equitable access and that no one is left untreated.
