Metrics details. A major impediment to the expansion of the LF elimination programme is the risk of serious adverse events SAEs associated with the use of ivermectin in areas co-endemic for onchocerciasis and loiasis. It is important to analyse these and other factors, such as soil transmitted helminths STH and malaria co-endemicity, which will impact on LF elimination.
We developed an approach we designate as micro-stratification overlap mapping MOM to identify areas that will assist the implementation of LF elimination in the DRC. The historic data on LF was found through an extensive review of the literature as no recently published information was available.
This paper identifies an approach that takes account of the various factors that will influence not only country strategies, but suggests that country plans will require a finer resolution mapping than usual, before implementation of LF activities can be efficiently deployed. This is because 1 distribution of ivermectin through APOC projects will already have had an impact of LF intensity and prevalence 2 DRC has been up scaling bed net distribution which will impact over time on transmission of W.
We believe that using the proposed MOM approach is essential for planning the expanded distribution of drugs for LF programmes in countries co-endemic for filarial infections. The challenge of mapping LF in the 2. Delimiting L. Nevertheless, scaling up treatment for soil transmitted helminths STH with albendazole and widespread distribution of long-lasting insecticidal treated nets LLINs will positively impact LF endemicity.
Incorporating these factors into an overlap mapping strategy will constitute a valuable prerequisite for LF control and surveillance. The recent publication of the Progress Report detailing the successes of the programme to date have been recorded, as well as, the Strategic Plan for the next decade of activities [ 1 ].
