<
https://www.who.int/southeastasia/news/detail/13-05-2023-bangladesh-eliminates-lymphatic-filariasis>
"In a boost to efforts to end neglected tropical diseases in WHO South-East
Asia Region, Bangladesh has eliminated lymphatic filariasis, a disease that
cripples and has significant social and economic impact on the affected
communities.
“Bangladesh’s achievement is commendable and follows strong political
commitment, tireless efforts by health authorities, partners and the
communities. It is also a result of innovative approaches and meticulous
implementation of elimination strategies,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh,
Regional Director WHO South-East Asia, who has been prioritizing ending
neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the Region as one of the flagship
programs.
Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, occurs when filarial
parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. The infection is
usually acquired in childhood with painful and disfiguring visible
manifestations appearing much later in life, often in the form of enlargement
of body parts causing pain, severe disability, and associated stigma.
Lymphatic filariasis was a major public health problem in Bangladesh. In 2001
the country established its national programme to eliminate lymphatic
filariasis which was endemic in 19 of the 64 districts. Between 2001 and 2015,
high coverage mass drug administration campaigns were rolled out in all endemic
districts.
Alongside, systematic and high-quality transmission assessment surveys were
carried out by well-trained programme personnel between 2011 and 2021.
The Regional Director also complimented Bangladesh for its morbidity management
and disability prevention programme which has been regularly updating data from
the endemic districts. Using this database, over 31,000 patients have been
trained on self-care and provided kits to manage their disease condition and
improve quality of life.
For lymphatic filariasis elimination, WHO strategy is based on two key
components – first, stopping spread of infection through large-scale annual
treatment of entire populations at risk in an area or region where transmission
is present; and second, alleviating the suffering caused by lymphatic
filariasis through increased disease management and disability prevention
measures."
Via
Future Crunch:
<
https://futurecrunch.com/good-news-trachoma-benin-mali-deforestation-brazil-seine-paris/>
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
