The Persistent Gap in Mass Drug Administration Uptake Among Known Microfilaria-Positive Individuals in India's Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program: A Call for Strengthened Follow-Up Strategies
Abstract
India's lymphatic filariasis elimination program has achieved high mass drug administration (MDA) coverage and substantial reductions in transmission across endemic districts. As the program transitions toward transmission assessment surveys (TAS) and post-MDA surveillance, the strategic focus is shifting from expanding coverage to sustaining verified interruption of transmission. However, reliance solely on aggregate coverage metrics may overlook an important endgame vulnerability: incomplete longitudinal follow-up of individuals identified as microfilaria (Mf) positive or filarial test strip (FTS) positive during surveillance activities. Although defined epidemiologic thresholds (microfilaremia
Fields of Study & Subjects
Parasitic Diseases Research and Treatment
Parasites and Host Interactions
Research on Leishmaniasis Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cureus
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- e104607–e104607
- Publication date
- 3 March 2026
- Language
- EN