Lok Sabha Question No. 1872 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-11-29
Subject: Lymphatic Filariasis
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Meenakashi Lekhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1872 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH NOVEMBER, 2019

## LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS

## 1872. SHRIMATI MEENAKASHI LEKHI:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) commonly known as Elephantiasis is one of the oldes most debilitating neglected disease, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the steps taken by th e Government to eliminate LF which is a public health problem along with funds allocated for the purpose during the current year;
- (c) the details of vaccination programme being implemented in this regard; and
- (d) the measures taken to enhance awareness among the affected communities about the LF and its treatment?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a): Yes, it is one of the oldest and most debilitating neglected tropical diseases. In endemic in 16 States & 5 Union Territories.  About 640 million people in these endemic Sta Union  Territories  are  at  risk  of  developing  Lymphatic  Filariasi s.  Lymphatic  Filariasis  (LF), commonly  known  as  elephantiasis  is  a  disfiguring,  disabling  disease,  usually  acquir childhood. In the early stages, there are no symptoms. Although there are no overt symptoms, the  lymphatic  system  is  damaged.  This  stage can  last  for  several  years. Infected  persons continue to transmit disease.  In patients it runs a chronic course and mainly manifest form of swelling in leg (Lymphoedema) and Hydrocele (scrotal swelling). Since 2004, Line of Lymphoedema and Hydrocele cases are being updated annually in the endemic States/UT's. As per reports of October, 2019 received from States/UTs there are 9,21,357 Lymphoedema a 3,96,801 Hyderocele cases.
- (b) : To eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), Government o f India has taken following steps:
- Annual  Mass  Drug  Administration  (MDA)  for  prevention  of  new  infections  in  LF endemic districts.
- National Filaria Control Programme (NFCP) units are functional in LF endemic stat which detect and treat filarial cases an d carry out vector control activities.
- Financial and technical support is provided to LF endemic states.
- Accelerated plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis launched by Hon'ble HFM on 13.06.2018 in 10th meeting of

Global Alliance to Eliminate Lympha tic Filariasis (GAELF) at New Delhi.

- Impact  of  triple  drug  therapy  (Ivermectin,  DEC  and  Albendazole)  suggests  that - 3 rounds  of  MDA  are  sufficient  to  achieve  the  microfilaria  rate  <1%  in  all  ende districts. The innovative new triple drug therapy (IDA) has been successfully introduced in 4 districts, Arwal (Bihar), Simdega (Jharkhand), Nagpur (Maharashtra) and Varan (Uttar Pradesh) during 2018 - 19 During 2019 - 20, 15 new districts have been identified for triple drug therapy (IDA).  Expansion of IDA in priority endemic districts is in process.

Under  NVBDCP  the  funds  are  allocated  and  released  under  National  Health  Mission (NHM)  to  the  states  in  an  integrated  manner  for  prevention  and  control  of  six  vector diseases  including  Lymphatic Filariasis.    However,  during  2019 - 20,  Rs.791  lakh  has  been allocated to LF endemic states.

(c) : Under Lymphatic Filariasis no vaccination is given .

(d) : Government  of  India  allocates  funds  to  endemic  states  for  carrying  out  IEC/B activities. Following  measures  to  create  public  awareness  regarding  Lymphatic  Filarias elimination have been taken by states:

- Distributed IEC materials to the community and display poster/banner at the public pla
- Carried out Miking, Munadi (Drum Beating)
- Radioads and TV spots were also run continuously during MDA in different languages
- News  Paper  advertisements  were  carried  out  by  different  states  in  addition  to advertisements in National and regional dailies during MDA
- Use of social media such as WhatsApp for quick dissemination within endemic states and National Directorate
- Inter Personal Communications (IPC) and Group discussions with the community.
- Rallies  involving school children are carried out.

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