Support People Affected by Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. Usually acquired in childhood, the infection causes hidden damage to the lymphatic system. 

The majority of LF infections are asymptomatic. While there is no external signs of infection, the transmission of the parasite continues and damage is caused to the lymphatic system and kidneys alongside an altered immune system. 

Chronic conditions can lead to lymphoedema (tissue swelling) or elephantiasis (skin/tissue thickening) of limbs and hydrocele (scrotal swelling). 

The breast and genitals are commonly affected often resulting in people affected facing prejudice and discrimination.  

When severe episodes of local inflammation occur, these can be debilitating and may last for several weeks. During these periods, people affected are often unable to work and lose income. 

The international scale of LF

As of 2018, 51 million people were infected with LF.

In 2023, over 657 million people in 39 countries worldwide remain threatened by LF and require preventive chemotherapy to stop the spread of this parasitic infection.

Treatment 

The clinical severity and progression of LF can be reduced and prevented with basic hygiene, skin care, exercises and elevation of affected limbs. Most cases of hydrocele can be alleviated with surgery. 

The spread of infection can be halted through administering preventative chemotherapy of mass drug administration (MDA) to the entire at-risk population on an annual basis. 

More than 9.7 billion cumulative treatments have been delivered to stop the spread of infection since 2000.

How Lepra is working to support people affected by LF 

We work in partnership with people affected by LF to:  

Improve early detection 

• Active case-finding allows us to identify people with early symptoms and begin supportive care as soon as possible; helping to prevent serious complications.  
• Our self-support groups educate communities on symptoms and dispel myths surrounding the disease encouraging more people affected to seek treatment.  

Ensure access to treatment and care 

• After diagnosis, we ensure people affected learn how to properly care and clean affected limbs and practice exercises to reduce swelling. We identify people requiring surgery and support them throughout their treatment.  

Promote inclusion and wellbeing  

• By educating communities on symptoms and dispelling myths surrounding LF, prejudice is lessened and people affected are more likely to be accepted by family and neighbours.  
• From counselling (peer-to-peer and professional) people affected are given support to improve the impact of their emotional wellbeing following their diagnosis.