Operational research to inform post-validation surveillance of lymphatic filariasis in Tonga study protocol: History of lymphatic filariasis elimination, rational, objectives, and design.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), a mosquito-borne helminth infection, is an important cause of chronic disability globally. The World Health Organization has validated eight Pacific Island countries as having eliminated lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem, but there are limited data to support an evidence-based approach to post-validation surveillance (PVS). Tonga was validated as having eliminated LF in 2017 but no surveillance has been conducted since 2015. This paper describes a protocol for an operational research project investigating different PVS methods in Tonga to provide an evidence base for national and regional PVS strategies.

Methods

Programmatic baseline surveys and Transmission Assessment Surveys conducted between 2000-2015 were reviewed

SUBMITTER: Lawford H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11335152 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature