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In the global drive for elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF), 15 countries have achieved validation of elimination as a public health problem (EPHP). Recent empirical evidence has demonstrated that EPHP does not always lead to elimination of transmission (EOT). Here we show how the probability of elimination explicitly depends on key biological parameters, many of which have been poorly characterized, leading to a poor evidence base for the elimination threshold. As more countries progress towards EPHP it is essential that this process is well-informed, as prematurely halting treatment and surveillance programs could pose a serious threat to global progress. We highlight that refinement of the weak empirical evidence base is vital to understand drivers of elimination and inform long-term policy.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.pt.2019.08.003

Type

Journal article

Journal

Trends in parasitology

Publication Date

11/2019

Volume

35

Pages

860 - 869

Addresses

University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK. Electronic address: Emma.Davis@warwick.ac.uk.

Keywords

Humans, Elephantiasis, Filarial, Health Policy, Disease Eradication