Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that affects more than 120 million people worldwide, with India being one of the most endemic countries.
India has the highest burden of lymphatic filariasis in the world, with an estimated 40% of the global burden of the disease.
India has implemented a renewed five-pronged strategy to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem:
Mission Mode MDA > The drugs kill the microfilariae (the immature form of the parasite) in the bloodstream, preventing the transmission of the disease to the mosquito vector.
Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) > The strategy includes providing care and support to those affected by lymphatic filariasis to prevent disability and improve their quality of life.
Integrated Vector Control > The strategy also focuses on controlling the mosquito vector that transmits the disease through measures such as the use of insecticides and environmental management.
High-Level Advocacy > The strategy includes raising awareness about lymphatic filariasis and its prevention among the affected communities, as well as mobilizing them to participate in the elimination program.
Innovative Approaches > The strategy focuses on utilizing existing digital platforms for lymphatic filariasis and exploring alternative diagnostics to ensure that all cases are detected and treated in a timely manner.
The renewed five-pronged strategy has been implemented across India, with a focus on high-prevalence areas while the multi-drug administration (MDA) will be held twice a year in synchronization with National Deworming Day on February 10 and August 10.
Brugia Rapid point-of-care cassette test manufactured by Reszon Diagnostics is recommended by WHO for use during Transmission Assessment Surveys (TAS) to detect IgG4 antibodies against Brugia spp. in human blood samples. Through the use of our product as a diagnostic tool, we hope that the correct intervention can be administered and hence helping to stop the spread of filariasis infection in the affected countries.
References:
- PTI (2023) “Lymphatic filariasis not neglected disease for India, multi-drug administration to be held twice a year: Mandaviya” Accessed on 17th March 2023
- Bio Spectrum India (2023) “India strengthens efforts to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027” Accessed on 17th March 2023
- Tripathi B, Roy N, Dhingra N. Introduction of Triple-Drug Therapy for Accelerating Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination in India: Lessons Learned. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2022 Mar 15;106(5_Suppl):29-38. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0964. PMID: 35292580; PMCID: PMC9154644.
- Journals of India (2023) “A nationwide campaign to end filariasis” Accessed on 17th March 2023
