Mainstreaming of an Integrative Medicine Protocol for Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention of Lymphatic Filariasis: An opportunity for establishing AYUSH based National Health Programme

Abstract Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease to which all are susceptible but from which the poor in villages become the most disabled. India shares 40% of the global disease burden. The World Health Organization launched in 2000 the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis(GAELF). Its morbidity control objective currently focusing on the patients of 73 developing nations. However, there is no pan-India public health LF programme to manage lymphedema. The Institute of Applied Dermatology based in Kasaragod, North Kerala, developed an Integrative Medicine protocol for the treatment of elephantiasis in collaboration with international lymphedema experts from Europe, Australia and North America. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation initiated discussions with Government’s health leaders to roll out Integrative Medicine treatment to endemic villages as an ayurveda doctor, and allopathy nurse led programme. Ayush ministry has plans to include it in Health & Wellness Centers under Ayushman Bharat. This paper describes an outline of such possible country-wide implementation.