Dataset Information

Delays in lymphatic filariasis elimination programmes due to COVID-19, and possible mitigation strategies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In view of the current global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, mass drug administration interventions for neglected tropical diseases, including lymphatic filariasis (LF), have been halted. We used mathematical modelling to estimate the impact of delaying or cancelling treatment rounds and explore possible mitigation strategies.

Methods

We used three established LF transmission models to simulate infection trends in settings with annual treatment rounds and programme delays in 2020 of 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. We then evaluated the impact of various mitigation strategies upon resuming activities.

Results

The delay in achieving the elimination goals is on average similar to the number of years the treatment rounds are missed. Enhanced interventions implemented for as little as 1 y can allow catch-up on the progress lost and, if maintained throughout the programme, can lead to acceleration of up to 3 y.

Conclusions

In general, a short delay in the programme does not cause a major delay in achieving the goals. Impact is strongest in high-endemicity areas. Mitigation strategies such as biannual treatment or increased coverage are key to minimizing the impact of the disruption once the programme resumes and lead to potential acceleration should these enhanced strategies be maintained.

SUBMITTER: Prada JM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7928650 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Delays in lymphatic filariasis elimination programmes due to COVID-19, and possible mitigation strategies.

Prada Joaquín M JM Stolk Wilma A WA Davis Emma L EL Touloupou Panayiota P Sharma Swarnali S Muñoz Johanna J Caja Rivera Rocio M RM Reimer Lisa J LJ Michael Edwin E de Vlas Sake J SJ Hollingsworth T Déirdre TD

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 20210301 3

<h4>Background</h4>In view of the current global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, mass drug administration interventions for neglected tropical diseases, including lymphatic filariasis (LF), have been halted. We used mathematical modelling to estimate the impact of delaying or cancelling treatment rounds and explore possible mitigation strategies.<h4>Methods</h4>We used three established LF transmission models to simulate infection trends in settings with annual treatment rounds and programme ...[more]

PMID: 33515454

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Project description:IntroductionThe Global Strategy to Eliminate Lymphatic Filiariasis (GFELF) through Mass Drug Administration (MDA) has been implemented in Ghana since the year 2000 and transmission has been interrupted in 76 of 98 endemic districts. To improve the MDA in the remaining districts with microfilaria (MF) prevalence above the 1% threshold for the interruption of transmission, there is a need to identify and implement appropriate quality improvement (QI) strategies. This paper describes the use of intervention mapping to select QI strategies to improve an existing evidence-based MDA program in Northern Ghana.MethodsDue to the complexities associated with implementing evidence-based programs (EBP) such as the lymphatic filariasis MDA and variability in the context, an initial assessment to identify implementation bottlenecks associated with the quality of implementation of lymphatic filariasis MDA in the Bole District of Ghana was conducted using a mixed methods approach. Based on the findings of the initial assessment, a context specific QI strategy was designed and operationalized using intervention mapping strategy in terms of seven domains: actor, the action, action targets, temporality, dose, implementation outcomes addressed, and theoretical justification.ResultsThe initial needs assessment shows that the persistent transmission of lymphatic filariasis in the Bole District is characterized by high levels of refusal to ingest the drug, high levels of reported adverse drug reactions, low MDA coverage at community level, poor adherence to the MDA protocol and non-participants' responsiveness.ConclusionThis study has shown that it is feasible to develop a context specific QI strategy for an existing evidence-based intervention based on an initial needs assessment through stakeholder participation using the IM approach. However, working (towards) QI requires more time than is usually available in public health service. Sufficient theoretical knowledge of implementation research and experience with technical IM experts must be available.

Dataset Information

Delays in lymphatic filariasis elimination programmes due to COVID-19, and possible mitigation strategies.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Delays in lymphatic filariasis elimination programmes due to COVID-19, and possible mitigation strategies.

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