West Bengal's Mass Drug Drive Targets Filariasis Elimination by 2030 in 10 Districts
The West Bengal Health Department has initiated a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) drive to combat filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis or hathipaon. The state aims to eliminate the disease by 2030, aligning with national goals.
Health Minister Dr. Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay launched the campaign in Howrah district in June, urging public participation. He emphasized that public awareness is crucial for success.
Filariasis is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease that can take six to eight years to show symptoms, making detection difficult. Infected individuals can transmit the infection even without symptoms. Currently, no treatment reverses the disease, which can cause lifelong disabilities such as lymphoedema (swelling of limbs) and hydrocele (swelling of the scrotum). Prevention through mass drug administration is the primary strategy.
During the launch, Health Department officials and other guests consumed anti-filarial medicines to demonstrate safety. Dr. Pritam Roy, Neglected Tropical Diseases Coordinator at the World Health Organisation, noted that while the drugs have no side effects, some people may feel dizzy briefly if they are infected without symptoms.
According to government data, as of 2026, West Bengal has 30,371 patients with lymphoedema and 5,804 with hydrocele due to filariasis. The state performed 2,370 hydrocele surgeries in 2025.
The campaign targets 59 blocks and municipalities across 10 districts: Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Uttar Dinajpur, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Paschim Bardhaman, Purulia, Bankura, and Howrah. Free medicines (Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole) are given to all eligible residents, except children under two, pregnant women, and critically ill persons.
Officials stress that at least 85% of the eligible population must take the drugs to interrupt transmission. The drive also helps treat worm infestations in children.
India accounts for about 40% of the global filariasis burden, with around 21.72 crore people at risk across 348 districts in 20 states and union territories, according to a study in the National Library of Medicine.
