Success story': Kiribati eliminates elephantiasis
Quoting Radio New Zealand – 8 October 2019
“Kiribati has eliminated lymphatic filariasis, otherwise known as elephantiasis, after a 19-year-long public health campaign.
“The mosquito-borne disease affects the lymphatic system, and leads to the abnormal enlargement of body parts. It can cause chronic and severe disability, pain and social stigma.
“Since 2000, Kiribati had set up robust surveillance, mass drug administration and a large-scale preventative treatment campaign.
“Now, it has joined 11 other Pacific countries in eliminating the disease as a public health problem, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.
“Kiribati's Health Minister, Tauanei Marea, said the elimination was thanks to the hard work and collective efforts of dedicated health workers and the WHO.
“Mr Marea said it was a great achievement and a "success story" for the health and well-being of I-Kiribati”
Copyright @ 2019, Radio New Zealand.
