Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has successfully eliminated lymphatic filariasis (LF), a mosquito-borne infectious disease, becoming the second country to achieve this in 2023 after Bangladesh.
- Lao PDR is the 11th country in the WHO Western Pacific Region to eliminate LF.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) credited this achievement to the efforts of the Lao government, healthcare workers, communities, and national and international partners.
- Overall, 19 countries have successfully eliminated LF, with mass drug administration being a cost-effective method for treating affected residents and stopping transmission.
LF, also known as elephantiasis, causes severe health issues, and its elimination is a significant global health goal. The elimination of LF contributes to the United Nations’ sustainable development goal of “health for all” by 2030
