Lymphatic filariasis in Kenya since 1910, and the prospects for its elimination: A review

Abstract

Objectives: To provide an overview of lymphatic filariasis in Kenya from the first time its prevalence was reported to the present day, with suggestions of issues that are yet to be resolved and to present the prospects for its elimination. Data sources: Published and unpublished reports on filariasis studies in Kenya. Study selection: Field-based epidemiological studies covering aspects of clinical, parasitology, entomology, social, economic, diagnosis and control of filariasis. Data extraction: Review of published articles in scientific journals and communications, retrieval and review of published scientific articles from the Internet and personal communications. Data synthesis: Re-organisation and pooling retrieved published data. Conclusions: Almost one century after the first documented report of lymphatic filariasis in Kenya, no National Control Programme has been instituted. However, important findings that have implications on its control have been made and they should be utilised to implement a National Control Programme. On implementation of the National Control Programme, research should be focussed on the remaining unresolved issues and conducted within the framework of the Programme. The World Health Organisation has targeted lymphatic filariasis for global elimination by the year 2020. Kenya is well positioned to formulate her National Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (NPELF) and join other endemic countries worldwide, which have already launched their plans, in the global efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem.