World News | Bangladesh to eliminate lymphatic filariasis: WHO

New Delhi [India]13 May (ANI): To strengthen efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases in the WHO South-East Asia Region, Bangladesh eliminated lymphatic filariasis, a disease that paralyzes affected communities and has major social and economic consequences. Affected diseases.

“Bangladesh’s achievement is commendable and has been achieved through strong political commitment and the tireless efforts of health authorities, partners and communities. It is also the result of innovative approaches and careful implementation of elimination strategies,” said WHO South America Region Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh said. In East Asia, WHO has been promoting the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the region as one of its flagship programmes.

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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 visible manifestations of pain and disfigurement later in life, often manifested by enlargement of body parts, resulting in pain, severe disability, and associated stigma.

Lymphatic filariasis is a major public health problem in Bangladesh. In 2001, the country established a national plan for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis, which is endemic in 19 of the 64 districts. From 2001 to 2015, mass drug use campaigns with high coverage were carried out in all epidemic areas.

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In parallel, trained planners conducted a systematic and high-quality transmission assessment survey between 2011 and 2021.

The Regional Director also commended Bangladesh’s morbidity management and disability prevention plan, which regularly updates data on endemic areas. Using the database, more than 31,000 patients were trained in self-care and given a toolkit to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

To eliminate lymphatic filariasis, WHO’s strategy is based on two key components – first, stopping the spread of the infection through annual mass treatment of all high-risk groups in areas or areas where transmission exists; Management and disability prevention measures reduce the suffering caused by lymphatic filariasis.

As part of the validation process, Bangladesh submitted a dossier to WHO, which was reviewed by a regional dossier review team. After reviewing the dossier, the Regional Dossier Review Team recommended that Bangladesh validate the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem.

“Strong partnerships, several innovative operational research projects in surveillance methodologies, and well-trained project staff have been key to the country’s success and will continue to be critical to maintaining lymphatic filariasis elimination in the country,” Khetrapal Dr. Singh said.

Bangladesh’s National Strategic Plan 2018-2025 focuses on post-validation surveillance strategies and responses to prevent relapse of infection and make progress in eliminating transmission.

Bangladesh is the fourth country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem after the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

In 2014, Dr Khetrapal Singh identified ending neglected tropical diseases as one of her main priorities.

In addition to lymphatic filariasis, other neglected tropical diseases have also been successful. India has been certified as yaws-free, and Nepal and Myanmar have eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.

“Neglected tropical diseases affect marginalized and vulnerable communities, compounding their suffering in multiple ways. We must end neglected tropical diseases with low-cost and highly effective medicines and treatments. WHO remains committed to supporting the elimination of these disease for a healthier, fairer and healthier environment. A sustainable future for everyone, everywhere,” said the Regional Director. (Arnie)

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