Lymphatic Filariasis

• 14 Aug 2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Health Minister inaugurated the second phase of the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative for Lymphatic Filariasis.

• India aims to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target, through a mission-driven strategy.

What is Lymphatic Filariasis?

• About:
  • Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic infection which is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
  • This impacts millions of individuals in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe.
• Causes and Transmission:
  • Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea.
  • There are 3 types of these thread-like filarial worms:
    • Wuchereria bancrofti, which is responsible for 90% of the cases,
    • Brugia malayi, which causes most of the remainder of the cases,
    • Brugia timori, which also causes the disease.
• Symptoms:
  • Lymphatic filariasis infection involves asymptomatic, acute, and chronic conditions.
    • In chronic conditions, it leads to lymphoedema (tissue swelling) or elephantiasis (skin/tissue thickening) of limbs and hydrocele (scrotal swelling).
• Treatment:
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends three drug treatments to accelerate the global elimination of lymphatic filariasis. The treatment, known as IDA, involves a combination of ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine citrate and albendazole.
    • The plan is to administer these drugs for two consecutive years. The life of the adult worm is hardly four years, so it would die a natural death without causing any harm to the person.
• Global Threat and Preventive Measures:
  • Over 882 million people in 44 countries face the threat of lymphatic filariasis and require preventive chemotherapy.
  • Preventive measures involve mass drug administration (MDA) to the at-risk population using safe medicine combinations.
  • More than 9 billion treatments have been administered since 2000 to halt infection spread.
• Progress and Achievements:
  • Successful MDA efforts have reduced transmission and infection prevalence.
  • 740 million people no longer require preventive chemotherapy.
  • In 2018, 51 million people were infected, marking a 74% reduction since the initiation of global elimination efforts.
• Vector Control and WHO's Approach:
  • Mosquito control, such as insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, supplements preventive chemotherapy.
  • WHO's Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) launched in 2000 with a mission to eradicate the disease.
    • GPELF aims to validate elimination in 80% of endemic countries by achieving sustained low infection rates and providing care.
    • The program strives for post-MDA surveillance in all endemic countries and ultimately reduces the population needing MDA to zero.
  • The strategy focuses on stopping infection spread and providing essential care to affected individuals.

What are India's Initiatives for Lymphatic Filariasis Eradication?

• Nationwide Mass Drug Administration campaigns administer preventive medicines in endemic areas.
• Collaboration with various stakeholders, sectors, and NGOs enhances the initiative's impact.
• “Through Jan Bhagidaari and ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Society’ approach, India shall be able to eliminate this disease from the country”.
• Second phase of the MDA initiative targets 81 districts in 9 endemic states for targeted intervention. (Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh).
• State-central collaborations enhance healthcare, surveillance, prevention, and treatment.
• Encouraging medication consumption in the presence of healthcare workers promotes adherence.