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The fundamental prerequisite for
accelerating the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (ELF) will be the
integration of the programme with other disease control/eradication
programmes. The Intestinal Parasite Control Programme, Malaria Control
Programme, School Health, Expanded Programme for Immunization (EPI) are some of the programmes that the LF elimination
programme can be integrated with.
Intestinal Parasite Control Programme
The
strategies for control/elimination of filariasis and control of intestinal
nematodes are similar except that in the former two-drug regimen once a year
is given while in the latter single-drug regimen is followed 1-2 times a
year, depending on endemicity level.
1. Status of Intestinal Parasite Collaboration
 Studies have shown the efficacy of two-drug regimen once yearly on
intestinal parasite infections, and
Strategies for integrating intestinal parasite control among school
going children and other high risk groups (preschool children and pregnant
women) with LF elimination programme are being considered.
2. Targets for
collaboration with Intestinal Parasite Control
Field oriented pilot studies are suggested to be taken up in endemic
areas to find out the efficacy of integrated approach.
Malaria Control Programme
Malaria control activities
will provide synergistic benefits for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis
programme from IRS and use of ITNs in endemic areas
where the disease is transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes or in areas
co-endemic with malaria. LF programmes will be encouraged to establish links
between LF and malaria control programmes.
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