Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Elimination Dossier Overview
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: Dr Didier Bakajika - bakajikad@who.int
Announcements
São Tomé and Príncipe is nearing elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem, following rapid adoption of WHO-recommended triple drug therapy (IDA) and consistently high treatment coverage. Post-MDA surveys show extremely low infection levels and no evidence of ongoing transmission, positioning the country as a strong example of accelerated progress through effective leadership, partnership, and data-driven strategies.
(Malawi & Togo) eliminated LF in the African region
in the African region have stopped MDA by 2024
people still required MDA in Africa by 2024
people treated for LF in Africa in 2024
receiving care for LF-related lymphoedema worldwide by 2024
surgeries delivered worldwide in 2024
Events
Malawi is advancing the implementation of WHO guidance on Integrated Post-Validation Surveillance (PVS) for NTDs through a national technical workshop. Building on its elimination of lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, and leprosy as public health problems, the country is strengthening system-wide surveillance to detect and respond to potential recrudescence. Supported by GLIDE and WHO/ESPEN, this initiative reinforces country-led, sustainable surveillance embedded within national health systems.
The Lymphatic Filariasis Dossier Development Webinar: Lessons Learned will bring together national programme managers, WHO experts, and partners to share practical guidance on preparing elimination dossiers and navigating the WHO validation process. The session will highlight country experiences and best practices to support countries approaching validation of LF elimination as a public health problem.