scholarly journals Keeping communities at the centre of efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis: learning from the past to reach a future free of lymphatic filariasis

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S55-S59
Author(s):  
Alison Krentel ◽  
Margaret Gyapong ◽  
Deborah A McFarland ◽  
Olumide Ogundahunsi ◽  
Christiana R Titaley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Community Partnership ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
Community Ownership ◽  
The Past ◽  
Community Access ◽  
Risk Communities ◽  
Community Drug Distributors

Abstract Since the launch of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) in 2000, more than 910 million people have received preventive chemotherapy for lymphatic filariasis (LF) and many thousands have received care for chronic manifestations of the disease. To achieve this, millions of community drug distributors (CDDs), community members and health personnel have worked together each year to ensure that at-risk communities receive preventive chemotherapy through mass drug administration (MDA). The successes of 20 y of partnership with communities is celebrated, including the application of community-directed treatment, the use of CDDs and integration with other platforms to improve community access to healthcare. Important challenges facing the GPELF moving forward towards 2030 relate to global demographic, financing and programmatic changes. New innovations in research and practice present opportunities to encourage further community partnership to achieve the elimination of LF as a public health problem. We stress the critical need for community ownership in the current Covid-19 pandemic, to counter concerns in relaunching MDA programmes for LF.

scholarly journals PO 8239 BASELINE ASSESSMENT OF LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS IN 18 COMMUNITIES IN WESTERN GHANA BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TWICE-YEARLY TREATMENT

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A22.3-A23
Author(s):  
Dziedzom De Souza ◽  
Collins Stephen Ahorlu ◽  
Joseph Otchere ◽  
Sedzro Mensah ◽  
Sudan Adu-Amankwah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Wuchereria Bancrofti ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Commercial Activities ◽  
System Disease ◽  
Drug Adverse Effects ◽  
Study Participants

BackgroundLymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease targeted for elimination as a public health problem by 2020, with the main strategy being treatment of entire endemic communities. Since the inception of the Global Programme for the Elimination of LF in 2000, tremendous progress has been made in many endemic countries. However, current observations point to the need for improved treatment regimen, frequency of treatment or drug delivery strategies in order to achieve the elimination goals in certain endemic areas. In this randomised trial, we evaluate the use of twice-yearly treatment with ivermectin and albendazole in 18 LF-endemic communities in Ghana, where despite 15 years of yearly treatment the disease is still above the elimination thresholds.MethodsFollowing demographic data collection, Wuchereria bancrofti antigen, microfilaria and antibody prevalence were assessed in study participants using the Alere FTS kit, nucleopore filtration and Wb123 ELISA, respectively. The study assessed the perspectives of the communities’on persistent transmission of LF in view of implementing effective treatment uptake strategies.ResultsThe baseline assessments revealed antigen prevalence of 8.2% (95% CI=6.8–9.8), with overall microfilaria prevalence of 1.2%. Infections were higher in males and in individuals who spend significant amount of time outdoors for commercial activities. Barriers related to medication, personal, health system, disease and social structure were observed to affect mass drug administration compliance. Community members perceived that they were not susceptible to infection and this together with drug adverse effects strongly affect the ingestion of the drugs.ConclusionWhile this trial is still in an early phase, the baseline assessments reveal programmatic challenges to the implementation of a twice-yearly treatment strategy for the control of LF which must be addressed to enhance implementation success.

scholarly journals African regional progress and status of the programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis: 2000–2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S22-S27
Author(s):  
Kebede Deribe ◽  
Didier K Bakajika ◽  
Honorat Marie-Gustave Zoure ◽  
John O Gyapong ◽  
David H Molyneux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
World Health ◽  
Malaria Vector Control ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Significant Progress ◽  
African Region ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy

Abstract To eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) by 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a campaign against the disease. Since the launch in 2000, significant progress has been made to achieve this ambitious goal. In this article we review the progress and status of the LF programme in Africa through the WHO neglected tropical diseases preventive chemotherapy databank, the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) portal and other publications. In the African Region there are 35 countries endemic for LF. The Gambia was reclassified as not requiring preventive chemotherapy in 2015, while Togo and Malawi eliminated LF as a public health problem in 2017 and 2020, respectively. Cameroon discontinued mass drug administration (MDA) and transitioned to post-MDA surveillance to validate elimination. The trajectory of coverage continues to accelerate; treatment coverage increased from 0.1% in 2000 to 62.1% in 2018. Geographical coverage has also significantly increased, from 62.7% in 2015 to 78.5% in 2018. In 2019, 23 of 31 countries requiring MDA achieved 100% geographic coverage. Although much remains to be done, morbidity management and disability prevention services have steadily increased in recent years. Vector control interventions conducted by other programmes, particularly malaria vector control, have had a profound effect in stopping transmission in some endemic countries in the region. In conclusion, significant progress has been made in the LF programme in the region while we identify the key remaining challenges in achieving an Africa free of LF.

Lymphatic filariasis in the Southeast Asian region; status and control options.

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (059) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilmini T. G. A. Chandrasena
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Southeast Asian ◽  
World Health ◽  
Selective Treatment ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
Asian Region ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract The Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) was launched in year 2000 by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the goal set for elimination by 2020. Over half the global disease burden lies in the Southeast Asian region (SEAR). The preventive chemotherapy (PC) programme has been initiated in all the WHO SEAR member states with varying levels of progress. Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand have achieved the goal of elimination as a public health problem (EPHP) within the stipulated period with Bangladesh working towards validation in 2021. Both Sri Lanka and Thailand are continuing with post-validation surveillance combined with selective treatment, striving for zero transmission in-parallel with the morbidity management and disability prevention program (MMDP). Timor-Leste appears close to reaching critical transmission thresholds with 100% coverage and triple therapy in the last round of PC. Data on MMDP activities are insufficient to comment on reaching EPHP status. PC coverage and country reports indicate ongoing transmission in Nepal, Myanmar, Indonesia and India requiring further rounds of PC. The PELF has made considerable progress in the SEAR towards elimination but there still remain significant transmission and disease burden in the highly populated countries in SEAR.

GERMAS ( Gerakan Masyarakat Hidup Sehat) Di Desa Rambah Hilir

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Elvira Junita ◽  
Yuli Handayani ◽  
Lufita Nur Alfiah
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Health Check ◽  
Community Partnership ◽  
Health It ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Healthy Life ◽  
Partnership Program

AbstrakPermasalahan kesehatan yang timbul saat ini merupakan akibat dari perilaku hidup yang tidak sehat. Gaya hidup yang kurang baik mengakibatkan tingginya angka kejadian Penyakit Tidak Menular, Di Desa Rambah Hilir kunjungan penderita hipertensi dan diabetes di Puskesmas Rambah Hilir I di tahun 2018 ini sampai bulan Juni 66 kasus Hipertensi 27 Kasus Diabetes. Gerakan Masyarakat Hidup Sehat (GERMAS) merupakan progam Pemerintah untuk mengajak masyarakat hidup sehat dengan focus pada 3 kegiatan utama yaitu melakukan aktifitas fisik, makan buah sayur dan cek kesehatan secara rutin minimal enam bulan sekali.Dalam Program Kemitraan Masyarakat ini upaya yang dilakukan adalah meningkatkan gaya hidup sehat yakni meningkatnya aktifitas fisik yang dilakukan dengan melaksanakan kegiatan rutin senam bersama setiap hari minggu dan meningkatkan konsumsi buah dan sayur dengan memanfaatkan lahan perkarangan rumah warga dengan menanam buah dan sayur dihalaman rumah untuk memenuhi kebutuhan konsumsi buah dan sayur. Upaya Peningkatan peran masyarakat dalam memeriksakan kesehatannya dengan mendirikan posko kesehatan untuk memudahkan masyarakat dalam memeriksa kesehatannya. Luaran yang telah dicapai adalah Adanya kegiatan senam rutin, meningkatnya konsumsi buah dan sayur dengan Adanya tanaman buah dan sayur disetiap rumah warga, makan buah dan sayur bersama setiap hari minggu, Adanya pemeriksaan kesehatan secara berkala.Abstract.Health problems that currently emergeare resulted from unhealthy living behaviours. A bad lifestyle causes an increase innon-communicable diseases cases. According to patient visit data until June 2018 at the community health centre (Puskesmas) Rambah Hilir I, Rambah Hilir Village, Rokan Hulu, Riau, it shows that there were 66 cases of hypertension and 27 cases of diabetes.The Healthy Life Society Movement (GERMAS) is a government program to encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle focusing on 3 main activities namely physical activities, eating vegetables, together with regular health check-upsat least once every 6 months. This community partnership program attempts to enhance the healthy lifestyle by intensifying physical activitiesthrough a routine collective exercise on every Sunday and increasing fruits and vegetables consumption. The community members’ yards are used as land to grow fruits and vegetables for meeting the community’s needs. Regarding the effort to improve the role of the community members to check their health, it was carried out by establishing a health post to facilitate them in checking-up their health. Outputs that have been achieved are the routine exercise; an increase in fruits and vegetables consumptionasthere are fruit and vegetable plants in every resident's houses; eating fruits and vegetables collectively on every Sunday; as well as regular health check-ups.

The Epitome of Novel Techniques and Targeting Approaches in Drug Delivery for Treating Lymphatic Filariasis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 1250-1263
Author(s):  
Saurabh Shrivastava ◽  
Anshita Gupta ◽  
Chanchal Deep Kaur
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
Bioactive Substances ◽  
Lymphatic Diseases ◽  
Life Threatening

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a pervasive and life-threatening disease for human beings. Currently, 893 million people in 49 countries worldwide affected by lymphatic filariasis as per WHO statistics. The concealed aspects of lymphatic diseases such as delayed disease detection, inappropriate disease imaging, the geographical outbreak of infection, and lack of preventive chemotherapy have brought this epidemic to the edge of Neglected Tropical Diseases. Many medications and natural bioactive substances have seen to promote filaricidal activity against the target parasitic species. However, the majority of failures have occurred in pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic issues. Objective: The purpose of the study is to focus on the challenges and therapeutic issues in the treatment of filariasis. The review brings novel techniques and therapeutic approaches for combating lymphatic filariasis. It also offers significant developments and opportunities for such therapeutic interventions. Conclusion: Through this review, an attempt has made to critically evaluate the avenues of innovative pharmaceuticals and molecular targeting approaches to bring an integrated solution to combat lymphatic filariasis.

The Three-Legged Stool of Voter Engagement

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-56
Author(s):  
Adelaide K. Sandler ◽  
Mary E. Hylton ◽  
Jason Ostrander ◽  
Tanya R. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Voter Turnout ◽  
Political Power ◽  
Voter Registration ◽  
Elected Officials ◽  
Allocation Of Resources ◽  
Community Members ◽  
The Past ◽  
Voting Decisions

Disparities in voter turnout have increased significantly over the past four decades. Members of historically oppressed groups, those who are low-income, and or who have lower levels of education vote at significantly lower rates than white, wealthy and or more educated community members. These disparities correlate directly to political power and the eventual allocation of resources by elected officials. Therefore, eliminating these disparities through targeted voter engagement with client groups is particularly important for the profession of social work. This article describes the conceptualization of voter engagement as a three-legged stool, consisting of voter registration, regular voting, and basing voting decisions on self-interest.Without attention to all three legs, the potential for generating political power collapses, resulting in minimal influence on elected officials.

scholarly journals Monitoring migrant groups as a post-validation surveillance approach to contain the potential reemergence of lymphatic filariasis in Togo

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique Ameyo Dorkenoo ◽  
Martin Kouame Tchankoni ◽  
Degninou Yehadji ◽  
Kossi Yakpa ◽  
Mawèké Tchalim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Test Strip ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Positive Case ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Investigation ◽  
Migrant Groups

Abstract Background In March 2017, Togo was declared the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem, but post-validation surveillance has been lacking. In some areas of the country, migrant groups from neighboring countries that are still endemic for LF pose a risk of reintroduction of LF to Togo. The objective of this study was to identify the risk posed by migrant groups by measuring their prevalence of LF infection and investigating any positive case using Togo’s case investigation algorithm to prevent resurgence of LF and sustain Togo’s elimination success. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 in the northernmost region of the country. Three migrant populations were identified: (i) nomadic Peuhls, (ii) Togolese members of local communities who migrate annually to neighboring countries for seasonal labor, and (iii) refugees from Ghana who came to Togo because of a communal conflict in Ghana. A questionnaire was designed to collect data on demographics and history of LF and MDA; all participants were tested for circulating filariasis antigen (CFA) using the filariasis test strip (FTS). Any CFA-positive case was confirmed with nocturnal microfilaremia. Results Refugees, seasonal economic migrants and nomadic Peuhls represented 42.1%, 31.4% and 26.5% of the study participants, respectively. The overall prevalence of CFA was 4.2% (58/1391) with the highest prevalence in the nomadic Peuhl group (11.9%), but only one of them (0.07%) was confirmed positive with nocturnal microfilaremia. Using the case investigation algorithm, no other positive case was identified in the positive case’s surroundings. Conclusion This study demonstrates that nomadic Peuhls, with a CFA prevalence of 11.9%, pose a potential risk for reintroduction of LF into Togo while Ghanaian refugees and seasonal economic migrants do not appear to pose a significant risk. Periodic monitoring of migrants, especially the nomadic Peuhl population, is a potential post-validation surveillance approach that could be used to promptly detect any LF cluster that may arise.

scholarly journals Rethinking success, integrity, and culture in research (part 1) — a multi-actor qualitative study on success in science

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noémie Aubert Bonn ◽  
Wim Pinxten
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Research Integrity ◽  
Current Paper ◽  
Research Quality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Past ◽  
Research Students

Abstract Background Success shapes the lives and careers of scientists. But success in science is difficult to define, let alone to translate in indicators that can be used for assessment. In the past few years, several groups expressed their dissatisfaction with the indicators currently used for assessing researchers. But given the lack of agreement on what should constitute success in science, most propositions remain unanswered. This paper aims to complement our understanding of success in science and to document areas of tension and conflict in research assessments. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups with policy makers, funders, institution leaders, editors or publishers, research integrity office members, research integrity community members, laboratory technicians, researchers, research students, and former-researchers who changed career to inquire on the topics of success, integrity, and responsibilities in science. We used the Flemish biomedical landscape as a baseline to be able to grasp the views of interacting and complementary actors in a system setting. Results Given the breadth of our results, we divided our findings in a two-paper series, with the current paper focusing on what defines and determines success in science. Respondents depicted success as a multi-factorial, context-dependent, and mutable construct. Success appeared to be an interaction between characteristics from the researcher (Who), research outputs (What), processes (How), and luck. Interviewees noted that current research assessments overvalued outputs but largely ignored the processes deemed essential for research quality and integrity. Interviewees suggested that science needs a diversity of indicators that are transparent, robust, and valid, and that also allow a balanced and diverse view of success; that assessment of scientists should not blindly depend on metrics but also value human input; and that quality should be valued over quantity. Conclusions The objective of research assessments may be to encourage good researchers, to benefit society, or simply to advance science. Yet we show that current assessments fall short on each of these objectives. Open and transparent inter-actor dialogue is needed to understand what research assessments aim for and how they can best achieve their objective. Study Registration osf.io/33v3m.

Driving and Public Health

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Cell Phone ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The United States ◽  
Distracted Driving ◽  
The Past

Distracted driving is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as “the practice of driving a motor vehicle while engaged in another activity, typically one that involves the use of a mobile phone or other electronic device.” However, other distractions not involving the use of a cell phone or texting are important as well, contributing to this burgeoning public health problem in the United States. Examples include talking to other passengers, adjusting the radio or other controls in the car, and daydreaming. Distracted driving has been linked to increased risk of motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) in the United States, representing one of the most preventable leading causes of death for youth ages 16 to 24 years. Undoubtedly, the proliferation of cell phone, global positioning system (GPS), and other in-vehicle and personal electronic device use while driving has led to this rise in distracted driving prevalence. This behavior has impacted society—including individual and commercial drivers, passengers, pedestrians—in countless numbers of ways, ranging from increased MVCs and deaths to the enactment of new driving laws. In 2016, for example, 20 percent of all US pediatric deaths (nearly 4,000 children and adolescents) were due to fatal MVCs. It has been estimated that at any given time, more than 650,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving. In the United States, efforts are underway to reduce this driving behavior. In the past two decades, state and federal laws have specifically targeted cell phone use and texting while driving as priority areas for legal intervention. Distracted driving laws have become “strategies of choice” for tackling this public health problem, though their enforcement has emerged as a major challenge and varies by jurisdiction and location. Multimodal interventions using models such as the “three Es” framework—Enactment of a law, Education of the public about the law and safety practices, and Enforcement of the law—have become accepted practice or viewed as necessary steps to successfully change this behavior caused by distractions while driving. This Oxford Bibliographies review introduces these and other aspects (including psychological influences and road conditions) of distracted driving through a presentation of annotated resources from peer- and non-peer-reviewed literature. This selective review aims to provide policymakers, program implementers, and researchers with a reliable source of information on the past and current state of American laws, policies, and priorities for distracted driving.

scholarly journals Spaces In-between: Text Poems from Community Practice and Research

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Gerstenblatt ◽  
Diane Rhodes ◽  
Lida Holst
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Community Practice ◽  
Community Members ◽  
University Partnerships ◽  
The Past ◽  
Teacher Researcher ◽  
Fellow Teacher ◽  
Artist Teacher

A commitment on the part of the academy to address social issues has increased over the past three decades, resulting in service learning courses, volunteering opportunities, and community-university partnerships. Faculty, staff, and community practitioners collaborating to lead these efforts often carry enormous responsibility and answer to often competing interests of students, community members, and universities. Using the experience of an scholar/artist/teacher in a university-community partnership founded by the first author in a racially polarized town, this article explores the potential of arts-based methods, specifically poetry and collage, to mitigate the consequence of this work. The format is a dialogue between two engaged teacher/researcher/practitioners and friends to clarify the hidden experience of the researcher with narrative truth to articulate and share not only experiences, but also lessons learned as a contribution to our fellow teacher/researcher/practitioners.

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