Nagaland University organised an Awareness Programme on the Mass Drug Administration campaign for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis on February 10, 2026 at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Lumami. The programme was held under the Government of India’s MDA initiative and coordinated by Nagaland University as part of its community outreach efforts.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Lobeno Mozhui, Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology, Nagaland University. In her introductory address, she highlighted that lymphatic filariasis is among the world’s leading causes of long term disability. Though not fatal, the disease severely affects quality of life and imposes social and economic burdens on individuals, families, and communities.
She noted that India bears nearly 40 percent of the global LF burden, with around 740 million people at risk across 348 districts in 20 endemic States and Union Territories.
Dr. Mozhui emphasised India’s progress under the Enhanced Strategy for LF Elimination by 2027, which includes biannual MDA rounds on February 10 and August 10, integration with National Deworming Day, and a five pronged approach covering 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 the same day, targeting 128 districts, and stressed the importance of sensitisation and community participation.
Kiran Dangi, Principal of JNV Lumami, delivered the welcome address and thanked Nagaland University for choosing the school as the venue. She encouraged students to learn preventive healthcare practices and act as health ambassadors.
Prof. Ranjit Kumar, Head of the Department of Zoology, delivered an expert lecture on lymphatic filariasis, explaining its transmission, stages, and long term consequences. He highlighted the role of MDA in breaking the transmission cycle. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Peter Ki, PRO, Nagaland University.
The programme was organised 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, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, Dr. Moyasungkum, Dr. Lobeno Mozhui, and Peter Ki.
