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India’s progress in controlling Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) through the lens of Microfilaria (Mf) rate monitoring from 2015 to 2022

UID: HW-20240120-IN-03

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Source

National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) Division, MoHFW

Last Updated

January 20, 2025

Time Range

2015-2022

Periodicity

Annual

Overview

The percentage of districts reporting a microfilaria (MF) rate below 1% among targeted endemic districts is a key indicator in the fight against lymphatic filariasis. Microfilaria rate refers to the proportion of individuals in a population who test positive for microfilariae—the microscopic larval stage of parasitic worms responsible for filariasis. A rate below 1% indicates successful interruption of disease transmission. This measure reflects the effectiveness of mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns and other interventions, such as vector control and public awareness programs. Targeted endemic districts are those identified as having a historical burden of lymphatic filariasis and prioritized for intensive interventions under national elimination programs. By tracking the percentage of districts achieving this milestone, public health authorities can assess progress toward the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. It serves as an essential benchmark in determining whether a district can transition to the surveillance phase, ensuring sustained low transmission levels. Achieving and maintaining an MF rate below 1% is critical to breaking the cycle of infection and moving closer to global elimination goals.

Trends & Insights

The journey of LF control in India presents a gradual yet persistent improvement in disease surveillance and management. In 2015, the program began with a modest achievement – only 58 districts out of 256 endemic districts achieved the crucial milestone of less than 1% Microfilaria rate, as verified by Transmission Assessment Survey-1 (TAS-1). This represented a baseline success rate of 22.66%, indicating the significant challenges that lay ahead in controlling this debilitating disease. The progress gained momentum by 2017 when the number of districts achieving the target increased to 89 and pushed the success rate to 34.77%. This improvement reflects the strengthening of surveillance systems and intervention strategies during this period. The following year, 2018, witnessed further progress, with 95 districts meeting the criterion, raising the percentage to 37.11%. A notable shift occurred in 2019 when the total number of endemic districts increased slightly to 257, while 98 districts achieved the target, resulting in a success rate of 38.13%. However, 2020 presented a unique scenario – while the number of districts meeting the target remained at 98, the total number of endemic districts increased to 272, which caused a slight dip in the percentage to 36.03%.  Overall, the program has shown remarkable resilience and progress in recent years. The year 2021 marked a significant expansion in both scope and success – the number of endemic districts increased to 328, yet 132 districts achieved the target, resulting in an improved success rate of 40.24%. This expansion has demonstrated India’s commitment to comprehensive LF surveillance and control. By 2022, further progress was achieved, with 136 districts reporting less than 1% Microfilaria rate, bringing the success rate to 41.46%. The data tells a story of methodical progress in LF control, but it also reveals the complexity of disease elimination efforts. The increase in the number of target endemic districts from 256 to 328 over seven years indicates improved surveillance and more accurate disease mapping. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity – while it makes the target more demanding, it also ensures more comprehensive coverage of affected populations. The overall insight suggests that sustained effort and possibly enhanced strategies will be needed to address the remaining 59% of districts that are still working toward achieving the target Mf rate of less than 1%.

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Citation

Please cite this article using proper attribution to 360 Analytika when referencing or sharing our content.

National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) Division, MoHFW. (2025). India’s progress in controlling Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) through the lens of Microfilaria (Mf) rate monitoring from 2015 to 2022 (360 Analytika, Ed.) [Dataset]. https://360analytika.com/indias-progress-in-controlling-lymphatic-filariasis-lf-through-the-lens-of-microfilaria-mf-rate-monitoring/

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