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

MALAYSIA81Endemicity statusEndemicNon-endemicUncertainAnnual Report on Lymphatic Filariasis 2003LF is a public health problem for Malaysia’s population ofapproximately 24.4 million, at least 2.9 million of whomare considered to be at risk from the disease. B. malayioccurs more frequently (98%) than W. bancrofti (2%).There are no recent data of LF clinical manifestationsevaluated in sentinel sites, but the lymphoedema prevalencecould be less than 1%, according to the nationalsurvey in 1997 of a sample of 65 764 people. Hydrocelecases are likely be very few, as is the case in areas whereBrugia is predominant.Most states use mukim (local administrative unit) as theIU, but the state of Sabah uses the district, and the stateof Sarawak uses the subdistrict. Mapping is in progress:154 IUs are considered endemic out of a total of 934.The first round of MDA using albendazole and DECbegan in 2003 in the 154 endemic IUs, 2.91 million peoplewere targeted with a reported coverage range of 11.6%to 92.7%. Historical data with microfilaraemia demonstratedan LF prevalence of between 0.04% and 8.5% forthe IU that started MDA in 2003. Between 2002 and 2003,53 members of staff were trained in the interruption oftransmission and in disability prevention and control.The LF elimination programme is implemented by theministry of health. Human resources are mainly fromthe ministry of health, including those from the Pharmaceuticaland Health Education Divisions, the Instituteof Medical Research and some other local institutions.WHO provided financial and technical support. GSKdonates albendazole to treat the whole population.Chapter 3 Programme implementationTable 3.23 Goal: to eliminate LF from Malaysia as a public health problemObjectives• To interrupt LF transmissionStrategies• Covering the entire at-risk population by MDA for at least 5 years• To prevent and control LF-associateddisability• Implementaton of simple hygiene measures through a home-basedapproach.• Promoting increased access to surgery for those sufferers with one ormore urogenital manifestations