02255nas a2200289   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653002400054653005700078653004000135653003100175653002200206653002000228653001800248653003000266653001900296100001700315700001400332700001200346700001200358245009300370856006500463300000900528490000600537520140800543022001401951       2024                            d  bMDPI AG10aInfectious Diseases10aPublic Health, Environmental and Occupational Health10aGeneral Immunology and Microbiology10aNeglected tropical disease10aSub-Sahara Africa10aSouthern Africa10aElephantiasis10aLymphatic filariasis (LF)10aClimate change1 aChimfwembe K1 aShirley H1 aBaker N1 aWamai R00aZambia: A Narrative Review of Success and Challenges in Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination  uhttps://www.mdpi.com/2414-6366/9/1/21/pdf?version=1705374776  a1-110 v93 a<p>The establishment of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) to stop the transmission of infection has significantly reduced the incidence of lymphatic filariasis, a debilitating mosquito-borne neglected tropical disease. The primary strategies that have been employed include mass drug administration (MDA) of anthelminthics and morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP). While some countries have been able to reach elimination status in Africa, there is still active transmission of LF in Zambia. The nematode responsible for the disease is Wuchereria bancrofti, which is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. To alleviate the suffering of those infected by the disease, the Zambian Ministry of Health launched a program to eliminate LF as a public health problem in 2003. This project reviewed the efforts to achieve the elimination of LF in Zambia, past and present government policies, and the anticipated challenges. MDAs have been conducted since 2014 and coverage has been between 87% and 92%. Zambia has now moved towards pre-transmission assessment surveys (PRETAS) and transmission assessment surveys (TAS). MMDP is a major priority and planned to be conducted between 2022 and 2026. COVID-19 presented a new challenge in the control of LF, while climate change, immigration, co-infections, and funding limitations will complicate further progress.</p>
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