AbstractBackground: The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, launched following WorldHealth Assembly Resolution 50.29 (WHA 50.29), has been facilitated in its progress by newresearch findings, drug donations, the availability of diagnostic tools, disability managementstrategies to help those already suffering and the development of partnerships. The strategyrecommended by the World Health Organization of annual treatment with a two-drugcombination has proved safe.Discussion: Using different approaches in several countries the elimination of lymphatic filariasis(LF) has been demonstrated to be feasible during earlier decades. These successes have beenlargely overlooked. However, the programme progress since 2000 has been remarkable – upscalingrapidly from 2 million treatments in 2000 to approximately 60 million in 2002. Around 34 countrieshad active programmes at the end of 2002. It is anticipated that there will be further expansion –but this will be dependent on additional resources becoming available. The programme alsoprovides significant opportunities for other disease control programmes to deliver public healthbenefits on a large scale. Few public health programmes have upscaled so rapidly and so costeffectively(<$0.03/treatment in some Asian settings) – one country treating 9–10 million people ina day (Sri Lanka). The LF programme is arguably the most effective pro-poor public healthprogramme currently operating which is based on country commitment and partnershipssupported by a global programme and alliance. Tables are provided to summarize programmecharacteristics, the benefits of LF elimination, opportunities for integration with other programmesand relevance to the Millennium Development Goals.Summary: Lymphatic filariasis elimination is an "easy-to-do" inexpensive health intervention thatprovides considerable "beyond filariasis" benefits, exemplifies partnership and is easily evaluated.The success in global health action documented in this paper requires and deserves further supportto bring to fruition elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem and health benefitsto poor people. A future free of lymphatic filariasis will reduce poverty and bring better health topoor people, prevent disability, strengthen health systems and build partnerships
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