By Wasita Royal
A major health campaign against Lymphatic Filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis in East New Britain is being hailed as a success.
Reflecting back to the three-weeks committed effort at the end of last year, the health authorities now say a targeted drug administration drive has exceeded critical targets in the fight against a disabling disease.
Health officials have reported a significant victory in the recent, focused drug rollout in four high-risk villages that has surpassed the crucial World Health Organization coverage.
The campaign reached 669 Karawara people, 874 in Utuan , Manigugule and Buka-Pomio with 187 people.
This was a joint effort by the Provincial Health Authority, the National Department of Health, the World Health Organization, and JICA. Its goal was to interrupt the transmission of the parasitic disease that can cause severe swelling and disability.
While celebrating the success, which saw daily coverage exceed the 85% threshold, officials are warning that the work is not over. Sustained vigilance is needed to ensure the disease does not return.
Authorities say continued monitoring and community engagement will be essential to lock in this progress and move closer to officially eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis as a public health threat in the province and the campaign is marked as an important step forward in public health.
