title: Assessing numbers and faces: a prerequisite for improving access to lymphatic filariasis morbidity care.
abstract: Concerted efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis worldwide have registered success; multiple rounds of mass drug administration have led to the interruption of transmission in many previously endemic areas. However, the management of patients with established clinical disease (e.g., lymphoedema, hydrocoele and acute dermatolymphangioadenitis) has not been addressed sufficiently. Two recent studies from Malawi underscore the need for accurate epidemiological and clinical data, and comprehensive morbidity assessments across various domains of daily life. Addressing these issues will guide the implementation of programmes to improve access to treatment and disability prevention for affected individuals in Malawi and beyond.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrberger Straße, Building 43, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany soeren.becker@uks.eu.
authors.forename: Sören L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health Policy and Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fürst
authors.affiliation: Children Without Worms, Task Force for Global Health, 325 Swanton Way, Decatur, GA 30030, USA.
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Addiss
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Jürg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Utzinger
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014943:Global Health; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008205:Lymphangitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008295:Malawi; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D006848:Testicular Hydrocele / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Lymphatic filariasis; Morbidity management; Quality of life