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

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.

Elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem from Tonga.

Background: Tonga was highly endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF) caused by diurnally sub-periodic i transmitted by vector species. LF prevalence declined very appreciably as a result of chemotherapeutic intervention measures implemented in 1977, but low levels of infection persisted. Along with other Pacific Island countries and in partnership with the Pacific Programme to Eliminate LF (PacELF), Tonga implemented a programme to eliminate LF as a public health problem.

Controlling lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis together in South Asia: opportunities and challenges.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and the major soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are co-endemic in many countries, particularly in Asia. Control strategies for both groups of infections have increasingly focused on the use of mass chemotherapy. With the use of albendazole, there is now a tool that is common to both.

Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminths in the western region of Bhutan.

In May 2003, a survey was conducted in the western region of Bhutan to assess the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections after 15 years of school deworming in the country. Five schools were randomly selected in the region and 266 schoolchildren were examined. Stool samples were collected from each child as well as nutritional indicators and general information on each school.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Myanmar and approximate costs for countrywide control.

Previous surveys in Myanmar indicate that soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are a significant public health problem. However the majority of these surveys are small scale or hospital based. To date there has been no countrywide assessment of the prevalence and intensity of STH infection.

The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in the Gampaha district.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and some epidemiological features of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status in the Gampaha district.

Design: Community based survey.

Setting: The district of Gampaha.