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

PHILIPPINES85Endemicity statusEndemicNon-endemicUncertainAnnual Report on Lymphatic Filariasis 2003LF is one of the major health problems faced by thepopulation of approximately 68 million. The LF at-riskpopulation estimation is close to 35% of the total population.The magnitude of disability caused by the diseasewithin the community is unknown.The administrative division designated as an IU is themunicipality. Mapping of LF is still in progress: 373 IUsout of 1566 have been identified as endemic, but thereare 559 more IUs that have yet to be mapped. There arean estimated 23.5 million people at risk of LF.The first round of MDA under the national PELF waspiloted in 2000 and covered 26 IUs. In 2001, PELF starteda countrywide campaign and covered 91 IUs; in 2002,coverage was expanded to 185 IUs. For the third round, in2003, the number of IUs targeted for implementation was373. The reported coverage was 78.7% (4% to 156%).The strategy used was door-to-door and booth drug distribution.WHO and private partners, such as GSK, have providedtechnical and logistic support. Other partners, such asthe Development Bank of the Philippines, have provideddonations in kind, while the Guardian Brotherhood nongovernmentalorganization also provided support foradvocacy and logistics. A future partnership initiativeenvisaged is the creation of a Coalition for the Eliminationof Lymphatic Filariasis (CELF) comprising allstakeholders working together for the common goal atthe national and local levels.Chapter 3 Programme implementationTable 3.25 Goal: to eliminate LF from Philippines by 2010Objectives• To interrupt LF transmissionStrategies• Identify LF-endemic areas through mapping• To prevent LF-associated disability• Mass treatment of the population (2 years of age and over) in allendemic areas using DEC plus albendazole for five consecutive years• Determine the magnitude of LF-associated disability• Establish and increase the awareness of disability prevention amongaffected families and communities