Lymphatic Filariasis (elephantiasis) is caused by parasitic worms like Wuchereria bancrofti and spread by mosquitoes, leading to lifelong disabilities such as lymphoedema (swollen limbs) and hydrocele (scrotal swelling). Morbidity Management & Disability Prevention (MMDP) services, including hygiene, skin care, and hydrocele surgeries, help reduce severe disability.
The Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign targets 111 endemic districts across 13 states, aiming to protect over 17.5 crore people and eliminate LF by 2027. Supervised anti-filarial drug administration includes Double (DEC & Albendazole) and Triple Drug Regimens (Ivermectin, DEC, and Albendazole) to eliminate filarial parasites and stop transmission. These medicines are not for children under 2, pregnant women, or seriously ill individuals.
India integrates MMDP services into Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM), with hydrocelectomy covered under the National Health Mission and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. In 2024, nearly 50% of hydrocele surgeries were conducted in endemic states.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the 2025 Update to ICD-11, with the official release
of the ICD-11 TM 2 module.
This groundbreaking step ensures the global recognition of traditional health systems like Ayurveda, Siddha,
and Unani, now officially documented and categorised alongside conventional medical conditions in the
internationally recognised ICD-11 framework.
