Preventative chemotherapy drugs are being distributed to communities throughout Timor-Leste this year in a bid to combatlymphatic filariasis and intestinal worms.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) is distributing diethylcarbmazine and albendazole through the World Health Organization’s (WHO) mass drug administration (MDA) program.
National Consultant for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) at the MoH, Paulino Pinto, said medicines had been distributed in some municipalities between 2005 and 2007, but the program had then stopped as the budget ran out.
Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a parasitic infection usually acquired in childhood through intestinal worms, causing swelling and deformities to the body.
Under the program, entire populations in at-risk communities will be given a single dose of each drug annually for at least five years.
Pinto said the drugs were effective in killing the parasites and called on communities not to panic over potential side effects.
The medicine is also safe for children aged 2 years and over, although he said pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions should avoid taking it.
He added that without treatment, the condition could damage the lymphatic system.
A survey conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2012 showed that lymphatic filariasis was prevalent in Timor-Leste.
Research found that Covalima municipality has the highest rates of infection at 35% followed by Manufahi 30.7%, Ermera 30.5%, Bobonaro 23.7%, Oecusse 23.2%, Ainaro 18.4%, and Manatuto 18%.
The lowest rates were recorded in Lautem with 14.5%, Liquisa 13.9%, Aileu 13.7%, Dili 11.2%, Viqueque 10.4% and Baucau 10.3%.
“Our survey showed that it is commonly spread in Timor-Leste [and] therefore we need to take action immediately,” said Pinto at Hotel Timor in Dili.
Meanwhile, International Consultant for WHO Dr C.R. Revankar said lymphatic filariasis was transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles, Culex and Aedes mosquitoes.
Parasite larvae left on the skin by mosquitoes can then migrate to the lymphatic system where they develop into adult worms.
“There is no vaccination for this disease, therefore the MDA program is distributing medicine to communities once a year for five years,” said Dr Revankar.
He said anyone experiencing an allergic reaction after taking the drugs such as fever or muscle pain should have a blood test to determine if they actually have the disease.
“The communities do not have this knowledge so that is why WHO is working with Ministry of Health to share this information with them,” he said.
