STM Article Repository

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is found in 80 tropical and subtropical nations. Infected people are expected to number 51.4 million worldwide. At present, the LF elimination program has focused chiefly on interrupting transmission through an annual community-wide treatment program with diethylcarbamazine and albendazole, or albendazole and ivermectin, lasting four to six years. Although significant progress has been made whenever the method has been effectively adopted, initial benefits have been accompanied by the understanding that this strategy alone will not provide a long-term solution in all circumstances. Laboratory research and quantitative field measurements of LF's impact, particularly local prevalence studies of parasite-infected individuals and vectors, dominate the LF literature. As the worldwide eradication program grows, it is becoming clear that a lack of socio-cultural awareness is a major issue in ensuring that it is appropriate and responsive to local needs and understanding. The current condition of socio-cultural knowledge of LF is examined in this research. It concludes that there is currently a lack of understanding of the socio-cultural factors associated with the presence and treatment of the disease and that appropriate social science methods should be used to address this gap and ensure community partnership in the delivery and sustainability of LF elimination programs.