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What We Do

Fight Disease

Neglected Tropical Disease

What is it?

Lymphatic Filariasis is debilitating parasitic
disease transmitted by mosquitoes in some of
the most impoverished areas in the world.

An estimated one billion people worldwide are affected by one or more Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). These diseases disproportionally affect poor and rural populations who lack access to clean water, sanitation, and essential medicines, causing chronic suffering, disability, compromised mental and physical development, and social stigma. As a recognized leader of successful NTD programs, IMA is paving the way for quality and high impact services. Experienced in NTD programming for almost two decades, our portfolio has grown to manage Mass Drug Administration (MDA) implementation and provide a unique morbidity management strategy in multiple countries. Having expertise with many NTDS including Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, Soil Transmitted Helminthes (STH), and Trachoma, IMA is currently working in four countries (Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, India, and Tanzania) to prevent and treat those affected by NTDs.

Success Story: IMA at work

For 15 years, a 50-year-old Togolese woman had suffered from painful swelling
in her legs with LF. A clinic wrongly advised her to have an amputation, an unnecessary and potentially fatal decision for LF patients. Desperate,
she entered a government morbidity management program supported by IMA.

After learning proper techniques for washing, exercising and elevating her leg, her condition is greatly improved and her swelling is minimal.

What We Do

Targeted NTDs

Of the 14 neglected tropical diseases identified by the World Health Organization, IMA World Health's programs currently focus on the prevention, treatment, control and/or elimination of three major NTDs:

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF): LF is debilitating parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes in some of the most impoverished areas in the world. A common characteristic of LF is elephantiasis, or painful swelling of the extremities, which can greatly hinder mobility and cause severe social ramifications for those who suffer from it. Learn more
Onchocerciasis (River Blindness): Onchocerciasis is caused by a parasitic worm that is transmitted through the bite of an infected blackfly. Found most often in rural agricultural areas, the disease can cause rashes, bumps under the skin, eye lesions and permanent blindness. Learn more
Soil Transmitted Helminthes (STH): STH are intestinal worms that enter the body through contaminated food, water and soil in areas with poor sanitation systems. Children are most susceptible to infection, which can cause anemia, vitamin A deficiency, loss of appetite and long term effects such as restricted growth and difficulty performing in school. Learn more
Trachoma: Trachoma is the result of an eye infection that is spread from person to person. It's commonly found where there are water shortages, numerous flies, and crowded living conditions. Infections often begin during childhood and if left untreated, it can lead to irreversible blindness between 30 to 40 years of age. Learn more

Mass Drug Administration

Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is the administration of safe and effective drugs to entire populations, irrespective of disease status, in order to control, prevent or eliminate common or widespread disease.

IMA currently administers MDA programs in Haiti, Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania.

Click here to learn about IMA's
mass drug administration programs.

Morbidity Management

Morbidity Management refers to the treatment or management of an existing disease or illness. IMA has implemented morbidity management programs in India and Togo to improve the lives of people who suffer from LF. A significant aspect of the programs involves training patients, family members and community volunteers how to properly wash, exercise and manage the disabilities related to LF.

Click here to learn more about IMA's
morbidity management programs.