Nepal accelerates lymphatic filariasis elimination efforts through MDA campaign in Kapilvastu

Kapilvastu, Lumbini province - The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health and Population, launched the Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign on 23 November in six municipalities of Kapilvastu District. Nepal has made significant progress by interrupting LF transmission in 56 of the 64 endemic districts, but a few pockets, including parts of Kapilvastu, still require intensified efforts to fully interrupt transmission. This initiative, supported by WHO, will further strengthen national elimination efforts by reaching nearly 400 000 people across the six municipalities. The launch, held in Taulihawa, was inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Health and Population, Dr Sudha Sharma Gautam, and chaired by the Chief of the District Coordination Committee, with participation from federal, provincial and local leaders; health officials; security forces; WHO Nepal and partner organizations. The Minister publicly took the medicine, encouraging full community participation and ensuring the safety of the medicine. Nepal aims to eliminate the disease as a public health problem by 2030.