Facilitating and monitoring progress of countries towards elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem

Shortly after the WHA Resolution 50.29, WHO launched the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF). One of the ways WHO supports endemic countries to achieve this goal, is by developing a strategic framework to evaluate the impact of interventions. National programmes follow the framework to monitor the progress and impact of interventions and report this data to WHO. WHO monitors overall progress in each country and reports on country achievements. Progress made is evaluated through the data LF endemic countries submit each year in the Joint Application package (JAP). This includes data on number of people treated during mass drug administration (MDA) by implementation unit, the results of transmission assessment surveys (TAS) conducted during the reporting year and any information on the number of persons with lymphedema and hydrocele. The data is disseminated through the WHO Weekly Epidemiological bulletin.

The WHO Regional Offices review progress during regional meetings that provide the opportunity for national programmes not only to report on achievements made, but also the challenges encountered and obtain support for overcoming those challenges.