eliminate lymphatic filariasis

http://www.filariasis.org/index.htm
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs102/en/

lymphatic filariasis is a disease that afflicts over 120 million people worldwide. it attacks the lymphatic system and kidneys, and while most people will never experience outward symptoms, over 40 million people suffer from severe lymphoedema (swelling of the limbs and breasts), hydrocele (swelling of the genitals), or elephantiasis. it's a disease that effects the poorest of the poor, wrecking havoc not only on individuals' physical, but also their mental health, causing social isolation and reducing productivity rates.

lf rates in burma are unknown (there are official "reports" but they're gross understatements) due to the fact that no data is collected in many parts of the country, including large areas of karen and shan states.

recently i've been working with several health groups to analyze data recently collected on a pilot lf program inside karen state. using random sampling techniques, it turns out that over 40% of the population in karen state is infected with the disease.

lf is transmitted through mosquito bites and, fortunately, can fairly easily be controlled. lf programs have typically have two main goals:

• interrupt transmission of the infection, and
• alleviate and prevent suffering caused by the disease.

the interrupt transmission bit involves mass drug administration of a drug yearly for about five years. the drugs are really inexpensive, costing less than $1 per person per year, and prevent the disease from being able to transmit from person to person.

the one problem is that the drugs have some slightly nasty side effects that can last for up to a week. the pilot program in karen state started off really well, but ran into an unfortunate roadblock. it seems news of the side effects moved quicker than the medics, and by the third village they visited, very very few people would take the drug.

the lf program coordinator, who is insatiably good humored and always laughing, told me many people even hid in the jungle when they saw the medics coming. "more education is needed," he concluded, a rare seriousness in his voice.

as only about 40% of the population took the drugs, the program as a result was not deemed effective and there will be not be extra funds to expand it this coming year...