The Ministry of Public Health, Vector Control Services will be launching its ‘Filaria Elimination Campaign’ on Saturday, September 30,2017 from 9:00hrs-12:00hrs at the Square of the Revolution, Georgetown.
The Campaign which will be launched under the theme, “Prevention Is The Best Cure” is a collaborative effort between the Ministry and the Pan American Health Organisation. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, will be delivering remarks at the launch.
According to WHO, Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne disease that damages the lymphatic system, leading to severe disfigurement, pain and disability.
The most spectacular symptom of lymphatic filariasis is elephantiasis -edema with thickening of the skin and underlying tissues—which was the first disease discovered to be transmitted by mosquito bites. Elephantiasis results when the parasites lodge in the lymphatic system.
Elephantiasis affects mainly the lower extremities, while the ears, mucous membranes, and amputation stumps are affected less frequently. However, different species of filarial worms tend to affect different parts of the body including: legs, arms, vulva, breasts, and scrotum (causing hydrocele formation), and rarely affects the genitals.
In order to combat this impact of this disease the Ministry has undertaken preventative measures which it hopes to augment with the planned campaign launch.