The Importance of Partnership in the Rollout of Triple-Drug Therapy to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in the Pacific

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2022 Mar 15;106(5_Suppl):39-47. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1085. Print 2022 May 11.

Abstract

We discuss the experience of some Pacific island countries in introducing the new WHO-recommended treatment protocol for lymphatic filariasis-a triple-drug therapy composed of ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine, and albendazole. The successful rollout of the new treatment protocol was dependent on strong partnerships among these countries' ministries of health, WHO, and other stakeholders. Effective communication among these partners allowed for lessons learned to cross borders and have a positive impact on the experiences of other countries. We also describe various challenges confronted during this process and the ways these countries overcame them.

MeSH terms

  • Albendazole / therapeutic use
  • Diethylcarbamazine / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial* / drug therapy
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial* / epidemiology
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial* / prevention & control
  • Filaricides* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Ivermectin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Filaricides
  • Diethylcarbamazine
  • Albendazole
  • Ivermectin