Aspirational Bharat Collaborative, an initiative to enable last mile convergence and hyperlocal collaboration in India’s most backward districts, is working with the governments of Bihar and Jharkhand to build community ownership, while strengthening the capability of front-line workers to heighten awareness and administer drugs. But what this issue needs is urgency of action in a timely mode, and commitment to eradicate this debilitating disease.
Tackling NTDs requires strong political leadership, akin to campaigns like Swachh Bharat and TB elimination. Leaders can mobilise resources, drive awareness, and create commitment towards LF-free India. Eliminating filaria alone can greatly boost the economy, as demonstrated in Odisha’s Khurda district, with benefits outweighing costs by 130 times.
Piramal is Vice-Chairperson of Piramal Group, and Singh is Head – Aspirational Bharat Collaborative, Piramal Foundation
