Programmatic Steps for Filarial Elimination

WHO Guidelines for Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination

 

The main aim is to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by two components:

• Interrupt transmission  by Mass Drug Administration (MDA) –the aim is to reduce the density of microfilariae in the blood of infected people to a level at which they can no longer be transmitted by mosquito vectors to a new human host. Achieved by annual treatment of either diethylcarbamazine  or ivermectin with albendazole for at least 5 years. These drugs are generously donated by GSK, Merck and Eisai.

• Managing Morbidity and Preventing Disability  also known as Disease Management Disability & Inclusion (DMDI) - the aim is to relieve suffering from main manifestations of the disease by providing available patient care to those affected with lymphatic filariasis.