Odisha has started the MDA programme in five districts.
Minister launches MDA program in 5 districts to eliminate LF, a chronic mosquito-borne disease that can cause disability if untreated. 10-day campaign to cover 7.4 lakh people.
During a recent event in Bhubaneswar, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling took a significant step towards eliminating lymphatic filariasis, a chronic and debilitating disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The Mass Drug Administration programme, launched in five districts, is a 10-day campaign that aims to cover over 7 lakh people in seven endemic blocks and urban areas. The minister stated that the goal is to speed up the process of eradicating the disease, which can cause long-term disability if not treated promptly.
To ensure the success of the programme, a team of 2,200 drug administrators and 210 supervisors have been deployed to closely monitor the distribution and consumption of medication. The national-level launch of the programme was carried out in a hybrid format by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda. Various officials, including the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the H&FW department and the Mission Director of NHM Odisha, were present at the event.
Odisha has made remarkable progress in its fight against LF in recent years. The number of Implementation Units (IUs) under MDA has reduced significantly, from 349 in 2023 to just 7 in February 2026. The state has also successfully cleared 25 Evaluation Units and 113 IUs under the Transmission Assessment Survey, achieving an impressive 96% success rate. Nine districts have cleared TAS-3, while four others have cleared TAS-1. Kandhamal, in particular, deserves praise for clearing TAS-1 with only five rounds of MDA.
In recognition of its efforts, Odisha's MDA programme was selected as a best practice by the Central government in 2025. The state government remains committed to eliminating LF as part of its broader vision of 'Viksit Odisha', which prioritizes improved health outcomes, strengthened public health systems, and active community participation. With intensified efforts, the government is confident in achieving the national goal of eliminating LF and phasing out the MDA programme by 2027. This is a significant step towards creating a healthier and more developed Odisha.
