Eliminating lymphatic filariasis

One of the oldest of the neglected tropical diseases, lymphatic filariasis, is caused by filarial worms transmitted by insect vectors that live in the lymphatic system and most commonly cause lymphedema, elephantiasis and hydrocele, which may lead to severe deformity, stigma and disability. Similar to other neglected tropical diseases, lymphatic filariasis occurs mostly among the poor disenfranchised populations living in highly endemic settings perpetuating a cycle that traps people into further poverty and destitution. Through the leadership of the World Health Organization, the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis has reached substantial achievements in decreasing the transmission of lympahtic filariasis in multiple settings. The strategic plan for the next 10 years of the Global Programme, in addition to working within the new 'neglected tropical diseases environment,' lays out necessary mass drug administration implementation goals for the filariasis-endemic countries that have not yet started their elimination programs (principally in Africa). The neglected tropical diseases programs. and the lymphatic filariasis program in particular. are among the very least expensive, most cost-effective tools to benefit needy populations of the developing world.