GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — The Ministry of Public Health has officially launched a campaign to eliminate the parasitic disease lymphatic filariasis, better known as elephantiasis.

With assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the campaign, which was launched on Thursday, will see health officials visiting homes and schools to administer the drugs.

According to Health Minister Volda Lawrence, Guyana has made tremendous progress in the fight against filaria. However, the objective is for the elimination of the disease.

Lymphatic filariasis is reportedly a leading cause of permanent disability worldwide.

The disease is spread by blood-feeding diptera such as mosquitoes. The bite of an infected Culex mosquito deposits tiny worms called microfilariae in the bloodstream. The result is permanent swelling to legs, breasts, arms and scrotum, among other body parts.

Lawrence said the elimination campaign, which is a continuation of work started years ago, is built on mass drug administration, morbidity management and disability prevention.

In 2000, more than 120 million persons were affected worldwide, with some 40 million disfigured and or disabled by filariasis.

Except for Regions 8 and 9, the public health ministry is currently working in all the administrative regions. Minister Lawrence reported that a survey carried out found that the Potaro-Siparuni and Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo regions are not affected by the disease.

Country representative for the Pan American Health Organisation Dr William Adu-Krow said while the prevalence of the disease has fallen significantly, it must be eradicated.