A section of attendees during the NU’s awareness programme on the Mass Drug Administration campaign for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis held on February 10 at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Lumami. (Photo Courtesy: NU PRO)
Lumami, February 11 (MExN): An awareness programme on the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) was held on February 10 at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Lumami, with a focus on the disease’s burden and elimination efforts.
Chairing the event, organised under the Government of India’s MDA initiative and coordinated by Nagaland University (NU) as part of its community outreach efforts, Dr Lobeno Mozhui, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, highlighted that lymphatic filariasis is one of the world’s leading causes of long-term disability.
Although not fatal, the disease severely affects quality of life and places significant social and economic burdens on individuals, families and communities, she said.
Dr Mozhui further noted that India bears nearly 40% of the global LF burden, with about 740 million people at risk across 348 districts in 20 endemic States and Union Territories.
She also highlighted that India has made substantial progress through the Enhanced Strategy for LF Elimination by 2027, which includes biannual MDA campaigns on February 10 and August 10, integration with National Deworming Day, and a comprehensive five-pronged strategy encompassing MDA, Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention, Vector Control, High-Level Advocacy and Innovative Approaches.
The 2026 Phase-I MDA campaign commenced on February 10, targeting 128 districts across several states, she added, stressing that sensitisation and community participation are crucial to elimination.
Meanwhile, Principal, JNV Lumami, Kiran Dangi underscored the importance of health as the foundation of education and development, and encouraged students to actively participate, learn about preventive healthcare and act as ambassadors of health within their families and communities. She also appreciated the efforts of NU and JNV staff members and highlighted the value of collaboration between educational institutions and universities in serving society.
Delivering the expert lecture, Prof Ranjit Kumar, Head of the Department of Zoology, NU, explained that LF is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease affecting all age groups, with higher prevalence among young adults and men.
He outlined the social, environmental and climatic factors contributing to its spread, the presence of asymptomatic carriers, and the clinical progression of the disease through asymptomatic, acute and chronic stages.
Prof Kumar also highlighted the long-term consequences of untreated LF, including lymphoedema, hydrocele and elephantiasis, and emphasised the importance of preventive measures and MDA in breaking the transmission cycle.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by NU PRO Peter Ki.
As per an NU release, the event was organised by the “Committee for Mass Awareness Campaign for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis/Hathipaon)” constituted by the NU Vice-Chancellor.
The committee members include Prof Kumar (Chairperson), Dr Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia (Member), Dr Moyasungkum (Member), Dr Mozhui (Member), and Peter Ki (Member Secretary).
Following the awareness session, a free medical camp was conducted by the University Health Centre as part of NU’s Community Health Outreach Programme, with the participation of the Senior Medical Officer and Nursing Officers, benefiting students and staff of JNV Lumami, the release added.
