Banke, Feb. 14 -- Around 20 percent of the population in three municipalities and one ward in Banke district have refused to take anti-elephantiasis medicines, slowing Nepal's push to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis. This refusal has prolonged the mass drug administration campaign, initially intended to end in six years, into its 14th year.

The affected areas-Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City, Duduwa Rural Municipality, Narainapur Rural Municipality, and ward 4 of Baijanath Rural Municipality-remain at high risk. Reluctance in some communities to take the medication has severely impacted the campaign's effectiveness. While those willing to take the medicine continue to do so, those who refuse remain adamant,...