Research Approach
This narrative sought to identify and document best practices and learnings from the mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns in Maharashtra, implemented as part of the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (ELF) program.
To understand these best practices, the study examined MDA program design and implementation across three stages—pre-MDA activities to plan and prepare the campaign, the MDA campaign, and post-MDA activities. A descriptive analysis of management and disability prevention activities complemented the study. Political, social, and economic factors that shaped the development of the MDA program in Maharashtra were also considered for context throughout the process.
Advisory Panel
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gates Ventures worked closely with the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP) 18-member technical advisory committee consisting of select state representatives and experts including the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Vector Control Research Center. The panel helped identify the right parameters for the selection of exemplar states to ensure that findings from the study would remain relevant to other endemic states.
Input from partners such as the World Health Organization, PATH, Project Concern International, and Global Health Strategies was also leveraged throughout the study.
Research and Narrative Partners
IQVIA conducted the identification of key documents and stakeholders, field research, and analysis for this narrative. Sattva translated the research findings into this narrative.