Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region, on Tuesday declared the Maldives as the first Filariasis free country in the South East Asia Region.
Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread-like worms. The adult worms only live in the human lymph system. The lymph system maintains the body's fluid balance and fights infections. Lymphatic filariasis can result in an altered lymphatic system and the abnormal enlargement of body parts, causing pain, severe disability and social stigma.
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is believed to have been endemic in Maldives since the 12th and 13th century. Since then WHO experts visited and conducted studies which determined that the diseases was prevalent in 34 islands across the country. Local authorities, with the assistance of WHO, began the work to eliminate and prevent filariasis in the Maldives in 1968 and successfully prevented the disease by 2007.
img:http://s4.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14689572221292.jpg|Official certification ceremony marking the ‘Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis’ in the Maldives - Photo: President's Office
A ceremony was held Tuesday at Bandos Island Resort, during which WHO certified the Maldives for successfully eliminating Lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. Vice President Abdullah Jihad was the guest of honour at the ceremony. Senior officials of the government as well as WHO Representative to the Maldives Dr. Arvind Mathur, also attended the event.
img:http://s1.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14689572612172.jpg|Official certification ceremony marking the ‘Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis’ in the Maldives - Photo: President's Office
Speaking at the ceremony, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh congratulated Maldives for the achievement. She said that “sustained high level vision and commitment coupled with tireless efforts of generations of health workers has made the elimination of lymphatic filariasis a reality in the Maldives”. She added that “it is my pleasure to be here today to celebrate the success, especially because it was for the lymphatic filariasis campaign that WHO and Maldives started working together for first time in 1951”.
Speaking at the event, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim commended local authorities for having achieved the goal. He said that “elimination of lymphatic filariasis was achieved as a result of the unwavering work conducted throughout the years by health care service providers, policy makers and due to the support of the Government”. He added “it is important for the country to sustain this achievement”.
img:http://s2.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14689572854640.jpg|Vice President Abdulla Jihad at the official certification ceremony marking the ‘Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis’ in the Maldives - Photo: President's Office
Health Ministry said that even though Maldives has eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem, authorities will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the disease does not reappear. The Ministry said they will also continue to provide relevant treatment for those previously infected by the disease.
img:http://s3.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14689572416190.jpg|Official certification ceremony marking the ‘Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis’ in the Maldives - Photo: President's Office
1.10 billion people in 55 countries worldwide remain threatened by lymphatic filariasis and require preventive chemotherapy to stop the spread of this parasitic infection. In the year 2000 over, 120 million people were infected, with about 40 million disfigured and incapacitated by the disease. Lymphatic filariasis can be eliminated by stopping the spread of infection through preventive chemotherapy with single doses of 2 medicines for persons living in areas where the infection is present. 5.63 billion treatments have been delivered to stop the spread of infection since 2000.
314.7 million people no longer require preventive chemotherapy due to successful implementation of WHO strategies. A basic, recommended package of care can alleviate suffering and prevent further disability among lymphatic filariasis patients.