Question : National Filaria Prevention Programme

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

(a) whether the Government has launched a National Filaria Prevention Programme (NFPP) across the country, if so, the date of inception of the said programme;

(b) the coverage of the programme, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government has received reports of the failure of this programme to cater to the needs of filaria patients;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the number of such patients who have not reaped the benefits of the programme, State/UT-wise; and

(e) the action taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a): Yes. Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (ELF) programme was initiated in June, 2004. The twin pillar strategy for ELF programme are:
• Transmission control – Interruption of transmission through annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA): To prevent the occurrence of new infection and disease by administration of annual single dose (Mass Drug Administration – MDA) of anti-filarial drug i.e. DEC + Albendazole (DA)/ Ivermectin + DEC + Albendazole (IDA)
• Morbidity Management & Disability Prevention – Home based management of Lymphoedema cases and up-scaling of hydrocele operations in identified Community Health Centres (CHCs)/District hospitals/medical colleges for alleviation of suffering.

(b): Lymphatic Filariasis is endemic in 257 districts of 21 States/Union Territories(UTs) . The 21 States/UTs wise MDA coverage is at Annexure.

(c) to (e): No such report has been received. Out of 257 districts, 98 districts have cleared Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS-1) and are in Post MDA Surveillance and 13 districts are proposed for TAS-1. Remaining 146 districts are under MDA.

Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis, 2018 was launched in 10th Global Alliance Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis on 13th June, 2018.