Validation of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Elimination

Overview

Ndau Island, Kenya

In 1997, the Fiftieth World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA 50.29 on the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. In 2015, WHO developed a framework for the control, elimination and eradication of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) which set forth a consistent approach for reviewing the achievement of NTD targets. Validation is the process used for confirmation of elimination as a public health problem. Countries wishing to be validated for eliminating LF as a public health problem can make a request to WHO for such acknowledgement with appropriate evidence that elimination targets have been achieved. 

In 2017, WHO published standard operating procedures for the validation of the elimination of LF as a public health problem.  This document includes the process for requesting and achieving validation as well as the evidence required in an LF dossier to show that elimination has been achieved. 

The minimal information necessary for an LF elimination dossier includes: (i) data used to classify LF endemicity for each implementation unit; (ii) results of mass drug administration (MDA) and other interventions implemented; (iii) epidemiological data from sentinel and spot-check sites; (iv) results from stopping-MDA and post-MDA surveillance surveys; and (v) data supporting availability and provision of the essential recommended package of care for LF patients.

ESPEN’s Role in Addressing Validation of LF

Thirty-three (33) countries are endemic for LF in the ESPEN region.  As of 2025, two countries - Togo and Malawi - have been validated as eliminating LF as a public health problem. As more countries have stopped MDA and are nearing the achievement of elimination milestones, the development of dossiers documenting these achievements has become a critical priority. Specifically, ESPEN’s role includes:

• Provision of technical assistance for dossier development
• Support to countries in collecting and compiling data through ESPEN Collect and CHIP
• Review of draft dossiers for informal feedback to countries

• Convening of Regional Dossier Review Groups for formal review of each dossier

   

Contact Section: ESPEN LF focal point: bakajikad@who.int