The country has succeeded in eliminating lymphatic filariasis, a painful and disabling neglected tropical disease.
Commonly known as elephantiasis, lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes that causes the enlargement of body parts, often resulting in pain, severe disability, stigma and associated economic hardship.
Speaking at a certificate presentation ceremony in the Philippines, WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “I would like to congratulate the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for being verified for the elimination of the neglected tropical disease of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem.”
This is a testament to the Lao PDR’s dedication to and investment in protecting and promoting its people’s health, he added.
He presented a plaque and certificate to Health Minister Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith in recognition of the achievement during the 74th meeting of the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific this week in Manila.“Lymphatic filariasis will never regain a foothold in our country. We will continue to maintain our efforts to prevent and control the disease through surveillance and respond quickly to any cases,” Dr Bounfeng said.
“Our country’s achievement has been made possible through years of collective efforts by dedicated health workers together with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Asian Development Bank, the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, Family Health International and RTI International,” he added.
“Laos’ elimination of lymphatic filariasis is an outstanding achievement and a reason for great optimism, especially coming so soon after the country’s successful response to the Covid-19 pandemic,” WHO Representative to Laos Dr Ying-Ru Jacqueline Lo said. — Vientiane Times/ANN
