Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis ... - libdoc.who.int

INDIA111Endemicity statusEndemicNon-endemicUncertainAnnual Report on Lymphatic Filariasis 2003LF represents a major vector-borne public health problemto India’s population of approximately 1049 million:more than 454 million are now considered to be at risk.The disease has been known in the country for millennia,the earliest-known description of symptoms datingback to 600 BC. The largest at-risk population is situatedin Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.The number of LF clinical manifestations is estimated atmore than 20.8 million cases.The administrative division designated as an IU is thedistrict. The mapping of LF is based on extensive historicaldata which showed that 261 out of 616 districts areconsidered LF-endemic.the programme. Initially, control measures for filariasiswere restricted to urban areas. In 1997, the NationalFilariasis Control Programme piloted a revised strategybased on a single annual dose of DEC that targeted an atriskpopulation of 40 million in 13 IUs. The first round ofMDA using albendazole plus DEC began in 2001 in nineIUs (six in Tamil Nadu, two in Orissa and one in Kerala).In 2002, 23.8 million in 11 IUs (six in Tamil Nadu, four inOrissa and one in Kerala) were targeted, with a reportedcoverage of 88.2% (range 67.3% to 97.3%). In 2003, sevenIUs and 15.5 million people were targeted with drug coadministration,with a reported coverage of 82.5% (54.8%to 94.3%). In addition, 35.7 and 52 million people werecovered with DEC alone in 2002 and 2003, respectively.Chapter 3 Programme implementationThe National Filariasis Control Programme was launchedin 1955 to determine the degree of endemicity, to carryout pilot studies and to train the personnel required forIn 2003, a total of about 95 500 drug distributors weretrained and about 1700 people participated in training indisability prevention and control.Table 3.30 Goal: to eliminate LF from India by 2015Objectives• To interrupt transmission of LF• To prevent LF-associated disabilityStrategies• MDA with DEC alone or co-administration of DEC plus albendazole oncea year for a minimum of six years• Foot hygiene through community home-based care by the sufferers ortheir relatives in accordance with WHO guidelines