Lymphatic Filariasis elimination program in Indonesia: Status, challenges, and potential
Rita Marleta Dewi (1), Yulidar (2), Lucia Dwi Antika(1)

1. National Research and Innovation Agency
2. Ministry of Health

Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis, also commonly known as elephantiasis, is a parasitic disease caused by three roundworm species of family Filariodidea with mosquitoes as the vector. Common clinical pictures include lymphedema dan hydrocele. The three species, namely Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, dan Brugia timori, can be found in Indonesia, in which Filariasis is considered one of the most economically damaging diseases. Following WHO^s global program to eliminate filariasis that started in 2000, the same began 2 years later in the country, with a complete elimination targeted in 2023. In this review, the author presents the current status of filariasis elimination program in Indonesia and discusses how mass drug administration (MDA) and other factors influence the program effectiveness. Results of studies related to transmission dynamics, host reservoir, and endemicity status in relation to program evaluation are presented. Accordingly, potential strategies for accelerating the elimination process are proposed.

Keywords: filariasis, elephantiasis, elimination program, mass drug administration (MDA), transmission dynamics, host reservoir.

Topic: Health policy