Banke, Lumbini Province – The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) launched the Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign in Banke, Lumbini Province, in the presence of the Mayor of Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan city Mr Prashant Bista; District Coordination Committee Chair Mr. Gyanendra Kumar Chaudhary; Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, MoHP, Dr Yadu Chandra Ghimire; WHO Representative to Nepal Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav; and other key officials.
/countries/nepal/480141115_938913551781048_7378889441685197477_n.jpg?sfvrsn=492c409a_3 "Mass Drug Administration campaign for lymphatic filariasis launched in Lumbini province, Nepal")
WHO Representative to Nepal providing lymphatic filariasis medication to a child during the launch of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign in Lumbini Province, Nepal. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
Supported by WHO Country Office for Nepal, the campaign is being conducted in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, Duduwa Rural Municipality, Narainapur Rural Municipality and Baijanath Rural Municipality (Ward No. 4) where the community-level transmission of LF still persists. The initiative will also mobilize support from stakeholders, religious leaders and influencers to ensure the campaign’s success.
/countries/nepal/480520411_938913691781034_3378767603092962736_n.jpg?sfvrsn=2523708e_5 "WHO Representative to Nepal participating in the administration of lymphatic filariasis medication during the launch of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign in Lumbini Province, Nepal")
WHO Representative to Nepal participating in the administration of lymphatic filariasis medication during the launch of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign in Lumbini Province, Nepal. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
This marks a critical step toward achieving the Government of Nepal’s goal of eliminating LF as a public health problem by 2030. With 56 out of 64 endemic districts having already halted MDA, Nepal is in the final stages of eliminating LF. WHO has supported the campaign by facilitating the mobilization of health workers, Female Community Health Volunteers, local leaders, and engaging communities - particularly among never-treated and non-compliant groups, and providing essential MDA drugs.
/countries/nepal/480399555_938913558447714_8037991751859403330_n.jpg?sfvrsn=85c336f3_4 "Dr Kenza Bennani, Team Lead for Communicable Diseases at the WHO Country Office for Nepal, taking part in the medication administration during the launch of the Mass Drug Administration campaign for lymphatic filariasis in Lumbini Province, Nepal")
Dr Kenza Bennani, Team Lead for Communicable Diseases at the WHO Country Office for Nepal, taking part in the medication administration during the launch of the Mass Drug Administration campaign for lymphatic filariasis in Lumbini Province, Nepal. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
The event underscores the collective commitment of the Government of Nepal, WHO and local stakeholders to safeguard public health and achieve LF elimination.