National Symposium on United to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis

October 31, 2019

On October 30, 2019, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organized National Symposium on the following theme

Theme: United to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis.

Highlights

  • The event was inaugurated by the Health and Family Welfare minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.
  • The minister also signed the “Call to Action to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2021”

Significance

  • The ministry is planning to draw attention towards Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). Over 1.5 billion people are affected globally due to NTDs.
  • The most prevalent NTDs in India is Lymphatic Filariasis (Hathipaon) and Visceral Leishmaniases (Kala-Azar)

India’s measures

  • GoI is to roll out the use of Triple Drug therapy in a phased manner from November 2019. It is to be implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • India adopted the twin pillar strategy after WHO launched the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF)
    • Prevention through Mass Drug Administration using combination of 2 anti-filarial drugs namely DEC and Albendazole
    • Providing Morbidity management and Disability Prevention services
  • GoI aunched the Accelerate Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (APELF) in 2018.
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