Practical Approaches to Implementing WHO Guidance for Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Programs in the Context of COVID-19: Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Surveys

Pre-transmission assessment surveys (pre-TAS) and transmission assessment surveys (TAS) are key surveys of lymphatic filariasis (LF) treatment programs, used to monitor progress, decide when to stop treatment and to inform declaration of interruption of transmission.

During this unprecedented time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), national program staff and implementing agencies must make adjustments to ensure safe programming. This resource document complements the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) guidance for NTD programs released on July 27, 2020. It provides ideas and practical examples on operationalizing the guidance so that it can be applied to field activities. It is designed as a resource that national NTD programs can use as they develop their own country-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, and supervision checklists. It should be adapted to country-specific contexts and environments.

The guidance and examples presented in this document were led by in country staff and are based on lessons learned from experience with Ministry of Health-led NTD programs supported by Act to End NTDs | East and Act to End NTDs | West. This document also builds on materials developed by other partners, including Ministries of Health.

This guidance was update on Nov 1, 2021 to include new insights from implementation of LF surveys, since the original document was published in summer 2020.