India, Feb. 11 -- Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday stressed community engagement and raising awareness to tackle last-mile challenges in the elimination of vector-borne disease lymphatic filariasis, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to eradicating it by next year.

Commonly known as elephantiasis, the disease is transmitted by the female Culex mosquito, which breeds in polluted and stagnant water. The infection damages the lymphatic system and can lead to chronic morbidity, disability and social stigma.

Launching the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration Campaign for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis, Nadda pointed out that ensuring direct observation of drug consumption and addressing public hesitancy toward...