Brazil eliminates lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem

The health authorities of Brazil congratulated the country on its success in eliminating lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. This achievement is considered a milestone that requires firm commitment and long-term perseverance.

The director general of the responsible Health Authority stated that the elimination of this disease is a very important achievement. He praised the efforts made by Brazil to free its population from this painful and disfiguring scourge, considering this progress as evidence of the successes achieved in the fight against neglected tropical diseases. He also expressed the hope that this success will inspire other countries that are still struggling with lymphatic filariasis.

Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is a parasitic disease that causes pain, chronic swelling and physical disability. This disease is spread by mosquitoes and has affected millions around the world for many decades.

Effective investments at the country level

Over the past decades, Brazil has implemented a set of integrated measures to combat lymphatic filariasis. These efforts began with the development of a national Disease Control Plan in 1997, and included the distribution of antiparasitic drugs, vector control activities, and the implementation of a robust monitoring system in the most affected areas. Thanks to these efforts, the country was able to end the transmission of the disease in 2017.

The eradication of lymphatic filariasis was part of Brazil’s “Saud airville” program, which seeks to address diseases that affect communities. Launched by President Luiz in February 2024, the program aims to unite the efforts of the government and civil society, including the involvement of infected people in the implementation of Disease Control Programs. And in the post-elimination phase, Brazil will continue to closely monitor the possibility of re-infection.

The regional director of the Health Authority stated that this achievement is the result of years of dedication, hard work and cooperation between health workers, researchers and authorities in Brazil. He stressed that the unified health system in the country, as well as strong laboratory experience, played a big role in stopping the transmission of infection.

Global progress

Globally, Brazil joins 19 other countries and territories that have been validated in eliminating lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. These countries include Malawi, Togo, Egypt, Yemen, as well as a group of countries in Southeast Asia and the western Pacific region.

In the Americas, three countries still need significant efforts to get rid of the disease. With this achievement, Brazil became the 53rd country to have eliminated at least one tropical disease globally.