Rapid progress towards elimination of lymphatic filariasis in endemic regions of Myanmar as a result of 16 years of anti-filarial activities (2001-2016)

Background: As Myanmar progresses towards lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination, it is important to know how well the anti-filarial activities have performed. The present study was conducted to study the implementation of the key anti-filarial activities and their impact on key indicators of LF transmission.

Methods: A secondary analysis of aggregate program data on the anti-filarial activities was conducted in four endemic state/regions of Myanmar receiving at least six mass drug administration (MDA) rounds during 2001-2016.

Results: MDA coverage has been expanded to cover all the endemic implementation units (IUs), i.e., 45 by 2015 and 6 IUs out of them have already stopped MDA. The reported coverage of MDA ranges from 87 to 100% whereas surveyed coverage ranges from 78 to 100% among the eligible population. The prevalence of microfilaria has significantly declined especially in Magway from 4.7 to 0.2% and Sagaing region from 7.9 to 1.3% during 2001-2016. Around 2.5% of estimated cases of hydrocele were reported to the program during 2009-2014.

Conclusion: Myanmar has achieved significant success in interrupting LF transmission through several MDA rounds with high coverage. However, morbidity reporting and management, being in its initial phase requires an active surveillance system for identifying and managing people with LF-associated morbidities under the program.