Lymphatic filariasis, is a disease commonly refereed to as elephantiasis, a neglected tropical disease.

Infection occurs when filarial  parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. Infection occurs in childhood and is occasioned by asymptomatic damage to the lymphatic/drainage system .

Its characterized  by profound disfiguring and pain, lymphoedema, elephantiasis and scrotal swelling occur later in life and can lead to permanent disability. 

Patients are not only physically disabled, but suffer mental, social and financial losses contributing to stigma and poverty.

World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that about 947million people in 54 countries are living in areas that require preventive chemotherapy to stop the spread of infection.


The global baseline estimate of persons affected by lymphatic filariasis was 25 million men with hydrocele and over 15 million people with lymphoedema. At least 36 million persons remain with these chronic disease manifestations. Eliminating lymphatic filariasis can prevent unnecessary suffering and contribute to the reduction of poverty, See more