Nagaland University organises awareness prog on Lymphatic Filariasis

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.
A press release by NU PRO, Peter Ki, stated that the programme was chaired by NU, asst. professor, department of Zoology Dr. Lobeno Mozhui, who in her introductory address, highlighted that lymphatic filariasis was one of the world’s leading causes of long-term disability. Although not fatal, it severely affects quality of life and places 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. She emphasized progress under the Enhanced Strategy for LF Elimination by 2027, including biannual MDA campaigns on February 10 and August 10, integration with National Deworming Day, and a five-pronged strategy of MDA, Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention, Vector Control, High-Level Advocacy, and Innovative Approaches.
She informed that the 2026 Phase-I MDA campaign commenced on Febuary 10, targeting 128 districts, and stressed that sensitization and community participation are crucial for elimination.
NU, Head, department of Zoology, prof. Ranjit Kumar, delivered a 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 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 and 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.
The welcome address was delivered by JNV Lumami, principal, Kiran Dangi and ended with a vote of thanks proposed by NU PRO, Peter Ki.