Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease. It is caused by three parasites; Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori - all of which are endemic in Indonesia and are transmitted between humans by mosquitoes. In the severest cases, LF may cause swollen limbs or thickening of the skin (known as elephantiasis) which typically inhibits mobility. Beyond the pain and disability, people who are affected by LF are also frequently ostracized by their communities as they are often unable to work and eventually sink into poverty.
On 4 October 2019, the Indonesian Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with WHO Country Office Indonesia and other implementing partners, launched the fifth and final round of LF Elimination Campaign in Malaka District, East Nusa Tenggara. The campaign is called “Bulan Eliminasi Kaki Gajah (BELKAGA)” or “LF Elimination Month”. The campaign aims to accelerate the delivery of preventive chemotherapy medicine to high-risk populations within 118 endemic districts. It is running in conjunction with the annual Mass Drugs Administration (MDA) for the entire eligible population which began on 1 October and is expected to be completed by 31 October 2019.
In Indonesia, LF is considered a significant public health concern. In 2009, risk mapping identified a population of 124.5 million people needing treatment for LF. The country initiated a national level LF elimination campaign in 2015, addressing both disease prevention and management.
As a result of this campaign, Indonesia achieved 100% geographical coverage in 2017 with 78.2% epidemiological coverage - higher than the effective coverage of 65% generally recommended by WHO to stop LF transmission. Now, according to the MoH Diseases Prevention and Control, approximately 40.7 million Indonesians in 118 districts and 20 provinces are at risk of contracting LF.
The National LF Elimination Programme aims to eliminate the disease by delivering single annual doses of diethylcarbamazine citrate and albendazole to all eligible populations living in LF endemic districts. WHO Indonesia will continue to support the LF Elimination Programme in Indonesia by providing technical assistance and facilitating donations for preventive chemotherapy medicine to endemic districts in need.
Pictures // © Marcus Perkins