|
Lymphatic Filariasis as a unique and successful programme |
| • Two drugs (largely donated or inexpensive) once per year for time limited duration |
| • DEC + albendazole in areas where onchocerciasis is not endemic |
| • Albendazole + Mectizan® where onchocerciasis is co-endemic with lymphatic filariasis |
| • Two major pharmaceutical companies involved |
| • A global disease (80 endemic countries; 1+ billion at risk) but regionalised programmatically |
| • Many synergistic/integration opportunities in the programme (See Table 4) |
| • Major successes already demonstrated |
| • Disability alleviation and prevention component to increase coverage and compliance via household and community self help |
| • Mass drug distribution – an overtly pro-poor intervention |
| • Intervention provides entry point to both rural and urban health settings |
| • Different drug distribution systems dependent on country decisions |
| • Separation of programmatic and GAELF responsibilities |
| • A free non-restrictive alliance with diverse partners |
| • Strong involvement of academic institutions and research funders |
| • Wide use of IT for dissemination and communication |
Molyneux Filaria Journal 2003 2:13 doi:10.1186/1475-2883-2-13 |