Lymphatic Filariasis

What is it?

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), a neglected tropical disease, is one of the leading causes of disfigurement and disability around the world. The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis estimates that 1.3 billion people worldwide are at risk of LF infection, and more than 120 million are infected in some of the world's poorest areas.

LF is caused by thread-like, parasitic filarial worms that are transmitted by mosquitoes and damage the body's lymphatic system and kidneys. The most recognizable result of LF is elephantiasis, or swelling of the extremities. LF also causes serious psychological and social ramifications – sufferers are often shamed, ostracized and precluded from finding work or marrying.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one-third of infected people live in India, another third are in Africa and most of the remainder are in South Asia, the Pacific and the Americas. In recent years, this painful and disabling disease has steadily increased because of the expansion of slum areas that are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

What We Do

Since 1994, IMA has worked with governments and other organizations in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean to battle this debilitating disease through treatment, advocacy and education. IMA's programs include not only eliminating LF through mass drug administration (MDA), but also through morbidity management programs to reduce the swelling and fevers of people who already suffer from LF.

Morbidity Management

IMA's morbidity management programs in India and Togo, funded by USAID through the World Bank, train volunteers and medical personnel to identify people suffering from LF and educate them on how to manage common symptoms. In India's Orissa State, to date 775 volunteers have been trained and are managing 15,478 patients in 842 villages. IMA's program in Togo actively monitored nearly 1,000 LF cases in 2009. As a result, people once alienated from neighbors, suffering greatly and unable to work, can once again become contributing members of society.

Mass Drug Administration

In Haiti, IMA's MDA program, funded by USAID through RTI, currently provides safe and effective preventive medication to over 4.1 million people in seven departments with the goal of eliminating the threat of LF in Haiti.

The program has been so successful that coverage of the entire nation of Haiti is expected by 2011.

Where We Work