Progress towards eliminating lymphatic filariasis in Zanzibar: a model programme.
Programmes to eliminate lymphatic filariasis are underway in ten countries of sub-Saharan Africa, and in several programmes outside Africa five rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) are being completed. In Africa, Egypt and Zanzibar have completed five rounds of MDA. Zanzibar was the first country to complete five rounds of treatment using a combination of albendazole and ivermectin, reducing both the prevalence and intensity of Wuchereria bancrofti. Characteristics of the Zanzibar programme serve as a model for other countries: factors crucial to its success include high-level political commitment, the development of appropriate social mobilization strategies, the involvement of communities in drug distribution, and the introduction of morbidity management for individuals with lymphoedema.
Mohammed
Khalfan A
KA
Programme Manager Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 236, Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania.
Molyneux
David H
DH
Albonico
Marco
M
Rio
Francesco
F
D000818:Animals; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005369:Filaricides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends*; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology
D005369:Filaricides