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. The programme was organized under the Government of India’s MDA initiative and coordinated by Nagaland University as part of its community outreach efforts.
The programme was chaired by Dr Lobeno Mozhui, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Nagaland University, who in her introductory address 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 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.
Dr. Mozhui emphasized 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. She informed that the 2026 Phase-I MDA campaign commenced today, targeting 128 districts across several states, and stressed that sensitization and community participation are the most crucial steps towards elimination.
Kiran Dangi, Principal, JNV Lumami, delivered the welcome address and expressed gratitude to Nagaland University for selecting the institution as the venue for this awareness programme and free medical camp. She 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 the staff members and highlighted the value of collaboration between educational institutions and universities in serving society.
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Prof Ranjit Kumar, Head, Department of Zoology, Nagaland University, delivered an expert lecture on lymphatic filariasis. He explained that LF is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease affecting all age groups, with higher prevalence among young adults and men. He elaborated on the social, environmental, and climatic factors contributing to its spread, the existence of asymptomatic carriers, and the clinical progression of the disease through asymptomatic, acute, and chronic stages. Prof. Kumar highlighted the long-term consequences of untreated LF, including lymphoedema, hydrocele, and elephantiasis, and emphasized the importance of preventive measures and MDA in breaking the transmission cycle. The awareness programme ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Peter Ki, PRO, Nagaland University.
The awareness programme was organized by the “Committee for Mass Awareness Campaign for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis/Hathipaon)” constituted by the Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University. The committee members include Prof Ranjit Kumar (Chairperson), Dr Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia (Member), Dr Moyasungkum (Member), Dr Lobeno 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 Nagaland University’s Community Health Outreach Programme, with the participation of the Senior Medical Officer and Nursing Officers, benefiting students and staff of JNV Lumami. The programme concluded with a renewed call for collective responsibility, awareness, and active participation in the MDA campaign to achieve the national goal of eliminating lymphatic filariasis by 2027.
