Anti-elephantiasis programme under way in 15 districts

Anti-elephantiasis programme under way in 15 districts
Published 15 March 2020

 

For the elimination of  elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis), Ministry of Health and Sports plans to implement anti-elephantiasis programme in 15 districts in seven regions and states where the prevalence of elephantiasis infection are reported.

The coverage areas are: Dekkhina Thiri and Ottaya Thiri Districts in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, Magway, Thayet and Pakokku District in Magway Region, Pyay District in Bago Region, Sagaing, Monywa and Shwebo Districts in Sagaing Region, Myeik District in Taninthayi Region, Kyaukse, Myingyan, Meiktila, Yamethin Districts in Mandalay Region and Sittwe District in Rakhine State.

Since 2000, World Health Organization (WHO) has started implementing Global Programme for Elimination of lymphatic Filariasis as elephantiasis is still prevalent in nine South East Asian countries including Myanmar.

Since 2001, Myanmar has carried out Mass Drug Administration (MDA)  National Programme for Elimination of lymphatic Filariasis in Minbu and Thatyet Districts in Magway Region where elephantiasis was prevalent.

The ministry conducted transmission assessment surveys in 20 districts in September and October, 2019. The program achieved success in all districts. The ministry stopped its programme as less than one in 1,000 population has elephantiasis.

The ministry resumed elephantiasis vaccination programme after elephantiasis infections are detected.

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