Impact of Migrating Populations on the Reemergence of Lymphatic Filariasis in areas under control: A Multi-centric study in Kerala

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) encompass a wide range of communicable diseases that are common in tropical countries. They can affect the majority of a population, leading to a significant burden on the healthcare system. The most affected are populations with low socioeconomic status, inadequate sanitation and frequent contact with livestock and infectious vectors. Lymphatic filariasis (LF), a vector-borne NTD, is one of the oldest and most significant causes of permanent disability in tropicalcountries. World Health Organization (WHO) recognized LF as one of the most debilitating NTD and identified it as an eradicable condition. Currently, 886 million people in 52 countries worldwide are at risk of LF. Of these, 63% (1.34 billion people) reside in Southeast Asia, and 30% reside in Sub-Saharan Africa, while the remainder are dispersed among other areas in tropical regions. India alone accounts for 40% of the disease burden in the Southeast Asian region. In 2012, the WHO's roadmap reconfirmed the year 2020 as the target date to achieve the goal of eliminating NTDs. The National Filaria Control Program (NFCP), initiated by the Government of India, supports the goals set by the WHO, but in many parts of India, anti-filarial measures and treatment facilities are deficient.