Global Programme to Elimination Lymphatic Filariasis: Progress Report, 2015

Friday, 30th of September 2016

Global Programme to Elimination Lymphatic Filariasis: Progress Report, 2015

Unlike the well publicized oncho control programs, LF control remains a low profile effort. Perhaps this will change as countries currently endemic are able to confirm LF elimination.

Excerpt below; full text is at http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/250245/1/WER9139.pdf

Outlook towards 2020

Remarkable progress has been made in the 15 years since the inception of GPELF [Global Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis]. Achievements in 2015 marked another record in MDA [mass drug administration] coverage. More countries are now reporting on MMDP, but continued focus on patient care will be required for countries to meet validation criteria. Because the current MDA strategies require at least 5 effective annual rounds, 60% of the endemic countries that have achieved 100% geographical coverage by 2015 are considered on track to stop MDA nationally by 2020, the goal set in the WHO NTD roadmap.

Surveillance for at least 4 years after stopping MDA is then required before validation that infection levels are sustained below the elimination thresholds. However, in the countries where MDA is still required, efforts to maintain consistent delivery and high coverage in each round of MDA are essential. At 5 years away from the 2020 target, intensified efforts are required to realign 29 countries on the path towards elimination.

Research is ongoing to determine the potential of alternative strategies, such as biannual MDA or a combination of all 3 MDA medicines, to shorten the time required to reach elimination targets.