The end of 2020 marked the completion of a two-year treatment study for lymphatic filariasis in Mali. The clinical trial was designed to investigate how well the antibiotic doxycycline, when implemented in combination with intensive hygiene management, alleviated the symptoms of lymphedema caused by lymphatic filariasis.
Photo Credit: COR-NTD
In the recently released global strategy, or “road map” for NTDs, the World Health Organization set the target of eliminating lymphatic filariasis in 58 countries by 2030, to complement the other countries that have already achieved elimination. The road map focuses on stopping transmission as well as the management of symptoms, including lymphedema, a condition associated with pain, disability and stigma.
Research has suggested that the drug could not only prevent the progress of lymphedema, but also reduce the occurrence of some of the worst symptoms of the disease, and in some cases actually reduce swelling.
Funded by USAID, the LEDoxy clinical trial launched in 2018 in Mali, as well as in India and Sri Lanka.
Read more about this important milestone. To learn more about the study, and its impacts, view the documentary A New Horizon for People Living with Lymphatic Filariasis.