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

KENYA45Endemicity statusEndemicNon-endemicUncertainAnnual Report on Lymphatic Filariasis 2003LF is one of Kenya’s major public health problems withits population of 31.2 million. It is estimated that a largepart of the population is at risk of infection. The LFclinical manifestations evaluated in sentinel sites showa lymphoedema prevalence as high as 8% and hydroceleprevalence that ranges from 7% to 29%.The administrative division designated as an IU is the district.LF mapping in Kenya is in progress and six districtsfrom the coastal region — Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Malindi,Mombasa and Tana River — are already known to be LFendemic.The first round of MDA using DEC plus albendazolebegan in 2002 in one district. For the second round ofMDA in 2003, 1.45 million people in three IUs were coveredwith a reported coverage of 79.5% (range: 75% to 85%).Mapping using a blood test for microfilaraemia, evaluatedbetween 1988 and 2000, demonstrated an LF prevalenceof 27.8% and 16.4 % in Malindi and Kwale, respectively.For new districts that started MDA in 2003, the mf prevalencefound in the four sentinel sites ranged from 5.2%to 15.7%. Between 2002 and 2003, 8000 drug distributorswere trained but no training was undertaken in disabilityprevention and control.The LF elimination programme is implemented by theministry of health, with financial and technical supportfrom WHO. GSK donates albendazole to treat thefull at-risk population. Future partnership initiativesare envisaged with DANIDA, local and internationalnongovernmental organizations participating in healthactivities in Coast Province, the Coast DevelopmentAuthority, commercial and service companies at theCoast (both private and state corporations), private individualbusiness companies and organizations participatingin philanthropic activities in Coast Province.Chapter 3 Programme implementationTable 3.6 Goal: to eliminate LF from Kenya by 2010Objectives• To interrupt transmission of LF by 2010Strategies• MDA in all the LF-endemic communities using DEC plus albendazole• To prevent and control LF-associateddisability• Community home-based management of lymphoedema• Increased access to surgical intervention in those with hydrocele