Lymphatic filariasis: managing morbidity and preventing disability.

This document is intended for managers of national lymphatic filariasis programmes, national staff members involved in managing morbidity and preventing disability, district public health managers and medical or non-medical staff responsible for designing and implementing such activities.

This document provides guidance on planning, implementing and monitoring activities at national level. It provides the best available information on managing morbidity and preventing disability after acute dermatolymphangioadenitis (ADLA; acute attacks), lymphoedema or elephantiasis, and hydrocoele. It also provides general operational and managerial guidance for reducing the number of cases of lymphatic filariasis and providing care for those affected.

Section 1 provides background information, including a general description of the GPELF and the concepts of interruption of transmission, management of morbidity and prevention of disability (MMDP) associated with lymphatic filariasis within the wider framework of neglected tropical diseases. It also gives a scientific overview of the associated morbidity, including epidemiology, signs and symptoms and disability, and the methods available for managing and preventing them. Section 2 describes the building of a morbidity management and disability prevention component within the GPELF, with its goals and aims. Part 3 provides guidance for national programmes on preparing this component. The annexes give additional tools and resources for activities in hospitals, health clinics and communities.