A Filariasis-Free Future: WHO’s Strategy and the Power of MDA

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kamalakar Arjun Lashkare, National Professional Officer for Lymphatic Filariasis at the World Health Organization Country Office for India.We explore the global fight against lymphatic filariasis—commonly known as filaria—and unpack the World Health Organization’s strategy to eliminate it as a public health problem.Dr. Lashkare explains why WHO views filariasis not merely as a disease, but as a broader public health challenge with deep social and economic consequences. We discuss the organization’s technical framework, its overall global elimination roadmap, and the central role of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in interrupting transmission.The conversation also dives into India’s efforts, one of the countries bearing a high burden of the disease, and how national strategies are shaped, implemented, and monitored. Finally, we examine what happens after elimination: the critical steps needed to prevent resurgence and ensure that filariasis does not return as a public health threat.CreditsGuest: Dr. Kamalakar Arjun LashkareHost: Shreya MResearch: Alisha Concept: Piramal FoundationProduced by: The Good SightFor feedback or to participate, write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠#DefeatFilaria #WHO #PublicHealth #CommunityLedChange