The first RTAG meeting for LF elimination in South-East Asia took place from June 25-27, 2024, in Kathmandu, Nepal. The meeting brought together national programme managers and experts to assess the region's progress, share knowledge, and identify strategic actions for eliminating lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem by 2030.
A key challenge highlighted at the meeting is the need to boost community participation in LF-Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns in India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Nepal, as this is vital for disease elimination. Accurate testing and better impact evaluation methods are also needed in areas where Brugia sp. is prevalent. Countries that have validated LF elimination must enhance post-validation surveillance to quickly detect and prevent the disease’s return. Additionally, it is essential to strengthen care services for LF patients with chronic conditions, such as lymphedema and hydrocele, to ensure they receive ongoing support and improve their quality of life.
Lymphatic filariasis remains a significant public health concern in the South-East Asia Region, with nine out of eleven countries endemic for the disease. While countries like Maldives, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and recently Timor Leste have successfully eliminated LF as a public health problem, over 200 million people across the region are still at risk, particularly in India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Nepal. These countries are intensifying efforts through mass drug administration campaigns using a triple-drug regimen. Despite progress, challenges persist, including low community participation, testing limitations, and the need for better post-validation surveillance to prevent the disease's resurgence. Strengthening care for chronic LF patients, especially those suffering from lymphedema and hydrocele, remains a priority to improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.
WHO, along with partners, has taken significant steps to accelerate LF elimination in South-East Asia Region. One of key actions is the establishment of the Regional Technical Advisory Group (RTAG) in place of the Regional Programme Review Group (RPRG) of LF elimination, which recently held its first meeting to provide a platform for coordination, knowledge-sharing, and capacity building among member countries. This meeting enabled national programme managers from high-burden countries, such as India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Nepal, to discuss challenges, share best practices, and align strategies for scaling up mass drug administration programmes. WHO emphasized the importance of this forum in uniting countries under a common goal to eliminate LF as a public health threat.
To enhance MDA effectiveness, WHO has introduced a triple-drugs MDA and promoted the use of advanced monitoring tools to track drug coverage and community participation. In Brugia-endemic areas, WHO has focused on improving diagnostic and training health workers in the latest techniques. Additionally, WHO has facilitated workshops and collaborative sessions where countries can adapt and implement effective LF control strategies tailored to their local needs.
For countries that have already achieved LF elimination as a public health problem, WHO continues to support the development of robust post-validation surveillance systems. These systems are essential for early detection and rapid response to any LF resurgence. Furthermore, WHO is strengthening care services for LF patients with chronic conditions, such as lymphedema and hydrocele, by advocating for their integration into primary healthcare, ensuring that these individuals receive ongoing treatment and improved quality of life.
The RTAG meeting is crucial to bring together experts and LF programme managers from countries across the region to tackle the spread of the disease. By sharing strategies and learning from each other's successes, the meeting helps countries strengthen their LF programmes and improve treatment access. This also means that national health officials are working with global experts to ensure the best approaches are used to protect communities from LF. The outcomes of this meeting directly impact the health and well-being of people in the region, helping to prevent disabilities and improve the quality of life for those at risk.
Following the RTAG meeting, countries are expected to strengthen their LF elimination programmes by implementing the strategies and recommendations discussed. Countries implementing MDA plan to intensify their MDA efforts and improve Morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services. WHO and partners will continue to provide technical support, including training health workers and enhancing post-validation surveillance systems to prevent any resurgence of the disease. Regular follow-up meetings and workshops will ensure that countries stay on track to meet their LF elimination targets
The RTAG meeting for LF elimination in South-East Asia was financially supported by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and GSK. We extend our gratitude to them for their invaluable contribution, which has helped drive progress in LF elimination efforts across the region.