01380nas a2200241 4500000000100000008004100001653001400042653001500056653003900071653002500110653001100135653002500146653001600171653001500187653001100202100001400213700001300227700001300240700001500253245010900268520074700377022001401124 2015 d10aTreatment10aPrevention10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aMorbidity management10aMalawi10aLymphatic filariasis10aHealth care10aDisability10aAccess1 aBecker SL1 aFürst T1 aAddiss D1 aUtzinger J00aAssessing numbers and faces: a prerequisite for improving access to lymphatic filariasis morbidity care.3 a

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.

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