scholarly journals Towards elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Kenya: Improving advocacy, communication and social mobilization activities for mass drug administration

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydiah W. Kibe ◽  
Bridget W. Kimani ◽  
Collins Okoyo ◽  
Wyckliff P. Omondi ◽  
Hadley M Sultani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Social Mobilization ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Health Extension Workers ◽  
Transmission Strategy

Abstract Introduction Understanding challenges affecting the implementation process of Mass Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filariasis (MDA for LF) elimination programmes is critical for successful implementation of similar interventions. The sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region records the second highest prevalence of the disease and subsequently several countries have initiated and implemented MDA for LF. A major pillar in the Kenya Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) breaking transmission strategy of 2019 -2023 is that of intensifying advocacy, coordination and partnerships in NTD control and elimination. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore views and experiences of stakeholders and health workers on ways of improving Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) activities of MDA for LF programmes through participatory approaches in Kilifi County, Kenya. Methods Two wards were purposely selected in Kaloleni sub county, Kilifi County where there was an average treatment coverage of 56% in 2015, 50.5% in 2016. Qualitative data collection methods were employed which included participatory meetings with county stakeholders to understand their views, experiences and suggestions on how ACSM strategies can be improved in MDA for LF. Twelve In-Depth Interviews (IDI) were conducted (six with opinion leaders and six with Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and two Semi structured interviews (SSIs) were held with county and sub-county coordinators involved in MDA administration. The aim was better understanding their perceptions of the NTD program about ACSM, challenges to ACSM strategies, and ways to improve the strategies for ACSM in MDA for LF. Data was organized and classified into codes and themes using QSR NVIVO version 12.Results The study observed a low participation of stakeholders in ACSM activities of MDA for LF and identified potential areas for stakeholders’ involvement to strengthen the activities. Challenges hindering effective implementation of ACSM activities included late delivery of Information Educational and Communication (IEC) and few IEC materials, insufficient funding, inadequate time allocated to reach to the assigned households with messages, messaging and packaging of information for dissemination and vastness of the area. Also, highlighted were challenges with morbidity management and disability prevention services. The stakeholders recommended innovative strategies and techniques to improve ACSM activities. Discussion and Conclusion The results of this study show key challenges to ACSM implementation of MDA for LF. Implementers need to pay attention to these challenges to enhance effectiveness of MDA in accordance to the Kenya NTD breaking transmission Strategy. ACSM efforts in MDA for LF control and elimination should be linked with overarching efforts to mainstream partnerships and coordination in control and elimination.

scholarly journals Towards elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Kenya: Improving advocacy, communication and social mobilization activities for mass drug administration, a qualitative study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydiah W. Kibe ◽  
Bridget W. Kimani ◽  
Collins Okoyo ◽  
Wyckliff P. Omondi ◽  
Hadley M. Sultani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Social Mobilization ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Extension Workers ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Transmission Strategy ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Collection Methods

Abstract IntroductionA major pillar in the Kenya Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) breaking transmission strategy of 2019 -2023 is that of intensifying advocacy, coordination and partnerships in NTD control and elimination. The purpose of this study was to explore views and experiences of stakeholders and health workers on ways of improving Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) activities of MDA for LF programmes through participatory approaches in Kilifi County, Kenya.Methods: Two wards were purposely selected in Kaloleni sub county, Kilifi County where there was average treatment coverage of 56% in 2015, 50.5% in 2016. Qualitative data collection methods were employed which included participatory meetings with county stakeholders to understand their views, experiences and suggestions on how ACSM strategies can be improved in MDA for LF. 12 In-Depth Interviews (IDI) were conducted (six with opinion leaders and six with Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and two Semi structured interviews (SSIs) were held with county and sub-county coordinators involved in MDA administration. The aim was better understanding their perceptions of the NTD program about ACSM, challenges to ACSM strategies, and ways to improve the strategies for ACSM in MDA for LF. Data was organized and classified into codes and themes using QSR NVIVO version 12.Results: The study observed a low participation of stakeholders in ACSM activities of MDA for LF and identified potential areas for stakeholders’ involvement to strengthen the activities. Challenges hindering effective implementation of ACSM activities included late delivery of Information Educational and Communication (IEC) and few IEC materials, insufficient funding, inadequate time allocated to reach to the assigned households with messages, messaging and packaging of information for dissemination and vastness of the area. The stakeholders recommended innovative strategies and techniques to improve ACSM activities.Discussion and Conclusion: The results of this study show key challenges to ACSM implementation of MDA for LF. Implementers need to pay attention to these challenges to enhance effectiveness of MDA in accordance to the Kenya NTD breaking transmission Strategy. ACSM efforts in MDA for LF control and elimination should be linked with overarching efforts to mainstream partnerships and coordination in control and elimination.

Non-compliance to Mass Drug Administration Associated with the Low Perception of the Community Members About their Susceptibility to Lymphatic Filariasis in Ankobra, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-174
Author(s):  
Ilo Dicko ◽  
Yaya Ibrahim Coulibaly ◽  
Modibo Sangaré ◽  
Bismark Sarfo ◽  
Priscillia Awo Nortey
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Compliance Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Improve Compliance ◽  
Degree Of Association

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic disease that has been targeted for elimination through the Mass Drug Administration (MDA.) Although the MDA started in the Ankobra community in Ghana in 2000, LF prevalence as reported in 2014 was relatively high (4.5%). Non-compliance to the MDA has been associated with the persistent LF prevalence in endemic regions. Objective: This study determined the factors associated with the non-compliance to the MDA among patients living in the Ankobra community, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a one-stage cluster sampling method was used to collect data between June and July, 2017 in Ankobra. Questionnaires were used to collect data from health workers, the MDA drug distributors and study participants in Ankobra. Data analysis was performed using STATA 14. Logistic regression was used to measure the degree of association between the dependent (non-compliance) and independent variables. Non-compliance rate was defined as the percentage of individuals who self-reported that they did not actually swallow the drugs provided during the MDA. Results: The MDA coverage and non-compliance rates were 73.5% (147/200) and 33.33% (49/147) respectively. The main reason for non-compliance was fear of drug adverse events (75.51%, 37/49). Thought of “not being susceptible to LF” was significantly associated with the non-compliance (aOR= 2.83, [CI= 1.15, 6.98]). Conclusion: Health education about the susceptibility of residents getting LF disease in endemic community must be intensified to improve compliance to MDA medication ingestion and thus meet the Global Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis by 2020.

scholarly journals Understanding the Role of Health Workers in the LF Elimination Program in Kenya: Challenges Faced and Suggestions for Improved Program Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-144
Author(s):  
Bridget W Kimani ◽  
Lydiah Wanjiku Kibe ◽  
Collins Okoyo ◽  
Wyckliff P Omondi ◽  
Hadley Matendechero Sultani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Health ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Program Performance ◽  
Health Extension Workers ◽  
Treatment Coverage ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Community Drug Distributors

The Kenyan Ministry of Health and its partners through the Division of Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, is in charge of the Lymphatic Filariasis Mass Drug Administration programme. This is implemented through the national, county, and sub-county neglected tropical diseases coordinators. The current study sought to understand the roles, challenges faced and suggestions of how program performance can be improved by the community health extension workers, county and sub-county neglected tropical diseases coordinators. Two wards of the Kaloleni sub-county; Kilifi County were purposively selected. In 2015, Kaloleni and Kayafungo wards had a treatment coverage of 58% and 54% respectively; 62% and 39% respectively in 2016, all below the recommended minimum treatment coverage of 65%.  Qualitative data was collected through sixteen in-depth interviews with community health extension workers and two semi-structured interviews with the county and sub-county neglected tropical diseases coordinators. Data were analysed by QSR NVIVO version 10 according to identified themes. The study results show the various roles in planning and implementation of the program include; supply chain management; health information education communication and records management; health workforce training and management, leadership and governance, and service delivery. Challenges faced included insufficiency of drugs supplied and information education communication materials, the inadequacy of community drug distributors selected and trained, poor facilitation for training and supervision of community drug distributors, limited duration of the mass drug administration, and delayed reporting due to poor network coverage. The results of this study show that the community health extension workers, county and sub-county neglected tropical diseases coordinators are not fully involved in program leadership and governance, a role that is taken up at the national level. They should be involved in all the stages of the mass drug administration program to create ownership to improve the program performance

scholarly journals A systematic review of factors that shape implementation of mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in sub-Saharan Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Silumbwe ◽  
Joseph Mumba Zulu ◽  
Hikabasa Halwindi ◽  
Choolwe Jacobs ◽  
Jessy Zgambo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Sub Saharan

scholarly journals COMMUNITY MEMBERS' PERCEPTIONS OF MASS DRUG ADMINISTRATION FOR CONTROL OF LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS IN RURAL AND URBAN TANZANIA

2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
WILLIAM J. KISOKA ◽  
BRITT PINKOWSKY TERSBØL ◽  
DAN W. MEYROWITSCH ◽  
PAUL E. SIMONSEN ◽  
DECLARE L. MUSHI
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Neglected Diseases ◽  
Rural And Urban

SummaryLymphatic filariasis is one of several neglected tropical diseases with severely disabling and stigmatizing manifestations that are referred to as ‘neglected diseases of poverty’. It is a mosquito-borne disease found endemically and exclusively in low-income contexts where, concomitantly, general public health care is often deeply troubled and fails to meet the basic health needs of impoverished populations. This presents particular challenges for the implementation of mass drug administration (MDA), which currently is the principal means of control and eventual elimination. Several MDA programmes face the dilemma that they are unable to attain and maintain the required drug coverage across target groups. In recognition of this, a qualitative study was conducted in the Morogoro and Lindi regions of Tanzania to gain an understanding of community experiences with, and perceptions of, the MDA campaign implemented in 2011 by the National Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme. The study revealed a wide variation of perceptions and experiences regarding the aim, rationale and justification of MDA. There were positive sentiments about the usefulness of the drugs, but many study participants were sceptical about the manner in which MDA is implemented. People were particularly disappointed with the limited attempts by implementers to share information and mobilize residents. In addition, negative sentiments towards MDA for lymphatic filariasis reflected a general feeling of desertion and marginalization by the health care system and political authorities. However, the results suggest that if the communities are brought on board with genuine respect for their integrity and informed self-determination, there is scope for major improvements in community support for MDA-based control activities.

scholarly journals Coverage and compliance of mass drug administration against lymphatic filariasis in Kalaburgi district

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
pp. 2502
Author(s):  
Mallikarjun K. Biradar ◽  
Sharankumar Holyachi
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Side Reaction ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Male Subjects ◽  
Evaluation Survey

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is endemic in 83 countries and territories, with more than a billion people at risk of infection. Filariasis has been a major public health problem in India next only to malaria. Study was done to assess coverage and compliance of mass drug administration (MDA) against lymphatic filariasis in Kalaburgi districts.Methods: This cross-sectional coverage evaluation survey was done in one urban and three rural clusters in district.The data was compiled, tabulated and analyzed using proportions.Results: A total of 791 subjects were interviewed, male subjects constituted about 47.7%. Majority of the subjects were in the age group of 16-60 years (69.9%), while only 3.2% were in <2years. 82.9% persons have received the drugs.  Out of the 530 persons who have received the drugs, 86.9% persons have consumed the drugs. Only 59.9% of study subjects consumed tablets in front of health workers. A total of 69 subjects have not consumed tablets, 20.3% said told fear of side reaction, and 20.3% subjects said they don’t have faith in tablet. Only 11 persons suffered from vomiting and nausea.Conclusions: There is an urgent need for more effective drug delivery strategies and also proper IEC should be done to educate and to improve the coverage and compliance in the districts. 

scholarly journals Low Microfilaremia Levels in Three Districts in Coastal Ghana with at Least 16 Years of Mass Drug Administration and Persistent Transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dziedzom de Souza ◽  
Joseph Otchere ◽  
Collins Ahorlu ◽  
Susan Adu-Amankwah ◽  
Irene Larbi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Commercial Activities ◽  
Infectivity Rate ◽  
One Year ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Year 2000

Ghana has been implementing mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin and albendazole for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) since the year 2000, as part of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF). It was estimated that 5–6 years of treatment would be sufficient to eliminate the disease. Tremendous progress has been made over the years, and treatment has stopped in many disease endemic districts. However, despite the successful implementation of MDA, there are districts with persistent transmission. In this study we assessed the epidemiology of LF in three adjoining districts that have received at least 16 years of MDA. The assessments were undertaken one year after the last MDA. 1234 adults and 182 children below the age of 10 years were assessed. The overall prevalence of circulating filarial antigen in the study participants was 8.3% (95% CI: 6.9–9.9), with an estimated microfilaria prevalence of 1.2%. The microfilarial intensity in positive individuals ranged from 1 to 57 microfilariae/mL of blood. Higher antigen prevalence was detected in males (13.0%; 95% CI: 10.3–16.2) compared to females (5.5%; 95% CI: 4.1–7.2). The presence of infection was also highest in individuals involved in outdoor commercial activities, with the risks of infection being four- to five-fold higher among farmers, fishermen, drivers and artisans, compared to all other occupations. Using bednets or participating in MDA did not significantly influence the risk of infection. No children below the age of 10 years were found with infection. Detection of Wb123 antibodies for current infections indicated a prevalence of 14.4% (95% CI: 8.1–23.0) in antigen-positive individuals above 10 years of age. No antibodies were detected in children 10 years or below. Assessment of infection within the An. gambiae vectors of LF indicated an infection rate of 0.9% (95% CI: 0.3–2.1) and infectivity rate of 0.5% (95% CI: 0.1–1.6). These results indicate low-level transmission within the districts, and suggest that it will require targeted interventions in order to eliminate the infection.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Mass Drug Administration on Neglected Tropical Diseases in Schoolchildren in Zanzibar, Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-119
Author(s):  
Ju Yeong Kim ◽  
Seobo Sim ◽  
Eun Joo Chung ◽  
Han-Jong Rim ◽  
Jong-Yil Chai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Rate ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Hygiene Behavior ◽  
Helminth Infections ◽  
Sub Saharan

Soil-transmitted helminths and <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> affect more than 3 billion people globally and mainly occur in sub-Saharan Africa. The present study assessed the overall infection status of a 1716-student cohort of school-children in Zanzibar and applied mass drug administration (MDA) to the cohort from 2007 to 2009. Schools in Pemba, Zanzibar, had a much higher prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections than those in Unguja, and the Chaani, Ghana, and Machui schools of Unguja exhibited high <i>S. haematobium</i> infection rates. The MDA program only partially controlled parasite infections, owing to high rates of re-infection. The infection rate of <i>S. haematobium</i> across all 10 schools, for example, was only reduced by 1.8%, and even this change not significant, even though the <i>S. haematobium</i>infection rates of the Chaani and Mzambarauni schools were significantly reduced from 64.4 and 23.4%, respectively, at the first screening, to 7.3 and 2.3% at the last screening. The overall infection rate of <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> was reduced from 36.0% at the first screening to 22.6% at the last screening. However, the infection rates for both <i>Trichuris trichiura</i>and hookworm were generally unaffected by MDA. In the future, parasite control programs should involve strategically designed MDA schedules and holistic intervention (e.g., sanitation improvement, hygiene behavior changes, and control of intermediated hosts).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document