English - Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis

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REPORT OF THE 6 TH GAELF MEETING, JUNE 2010 LF. Professor Molyneux emphasized the dramatic changes in the global health agenda during the first 10 years of the GAELF’s history, especially the substantial funds recently pledged to control and eliminate NTDs. He stated that LF elimination is at the forefront of NTD programmes, and that this was made possible by drug donations from GSK and Merck & Co., Inc.. The first 10 years of the GAELF have demonstrated that elimination of LF as a public health problem is an achievable goal, with enormous public health benefits. Professor Molyneux noted that the GPELF, while maintaining its LF focus, can serve as a platform for integration with other NTDs. The features of the GAELF – a loose, non-restrictive, representative governance structure, regional approaches, mutual respect, and the ability to learn lessons and adapt – have made it strong and attractive to a diverse array of partners. Dr Mwele Malecela, Acting Director General, National Institute for Medical Research, United Republic of Tanzania thanked the GAELF members, especially the Executive Group and the Secretariat, for their support during her four years as President of GAELF. She reflected on some of the lessons learned during the past four years. These lessons include: partnership is a process; consensus can emerge from chaos; and advocacy can move mountains. The flexible nature of GAELF has allowed its members to forge new partnerships and to move from strength to strength. She thanked the government of the Republic of Korea and the KCDC for hosting the meeting and told the participants that, “it is your commitment, your passion, your belief in the possibility of LF elimination that gives the Alliance its strength.” Dr Jong-Koo Lee, Deputy Minister/Director, Ministry of Health and Welfare, KCDC, thanked the GAELF for the opportunity to host the GAELF6. He noted that, before LF elimination was verified by WHO in 2008, LF had been endemic in Korea for millennia. LF was the first disease to be officially eliminated in Korea. Dr Lee pledged that during the next decade, global health will remain high on Korea’s development agenda. He wished the participants much success and declared the meeting officially opened. Ceremonial hand over by Dr Mwele Malecela, Acting Director General, National Institute for Medical Research Declaration of Meeting Open by Dr Jong-Koo Lee, Deputy Minister 14
REPORT OF THE 6 TH GAELF MEETING, JUNE 2010 Keynote Addresses Chair: Professor Jong-Yil Chai Seoul National University College of Medicine The first session of the conference, chaired by Professor Jong-Yil Chai, described the successful elimination of LF in Korea. A history of a country elimination Professor Han-Jong Rim, Emeritus Professor at Korea University College of Medicine, reviewed the history of LF elimination in Korea, which can be considered in three distinct phases [1]. During the first phase, 1920-1945, LF was initially recognized as an endemic public health problem and was found to be caused only by Brugia malayi. The period 1951-1979 was one of investigation and surveillance. Three major endemic areas were identified: Jeju Island; the southwest coastal area; and an area in the southeast, which extended inland. Epidemiologic investigations were conducted in all of these areas, where microfilaremia prevalence ranged from 1 to 22%. These investigations showed that B. malayi was nocturnally periodic and the principal vectors were Aedes togoi, in coastal areas, and Anopheles sinensis, inland. No LF transmission was detected in the central part of the country, which is mountainous. Persons infected with B. malayi were treated selectively with diethylcarbamazine (DEC), beginning with low doses to minimize adverse reactions. Certain aspects of traditional life were identified as facilitating transmission, including the habit of gathering water during the evenings, and the thatched roofs, which provided resting places for A. togoi. Prevalence of infection with soil-transmitted helminthes and gross national product, Republic of Korea, 1969-1989 15
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English - Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis

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