Lymphatic Filariasis Program

Nepal conducted LF mapping in 2001 and 2005 and remapping in 2012 by using ICT (Immunochromatography Test card) which revealed 13% average prevalence of LF infection in the country, ranging from l<1% to as high as 39%.  Based on the ICT survey, morbidity reporting and geo-ecological comparability sixty one districts of the country were mapped as endemic for LF. Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the Department of Health Services has formulated a National Plan of Action (2003-2020 AD) for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Nepal by establishing a National Task Force chaired by Director-General, Department of Health Services. The government initiated the implementation of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in Parsa district in 2003. Since then the program has been expanded gradually in other endemic districts as well. MDA has been scaled up to all the endemic districts in FY 2069/70 (2013). This year MDA was conducted in 56 districts including 10 new districts of far western and mid-western regions. Of these 56 districts, 16 completed six rounds of MDA this year, 10 completed 4 rounds, 10 completed 3 rounds, another 10 completed 2 rounds and 10 were new districts which completed 1 round.