Welcome to Anti Filariasis Campaign!

Who We Are ?

Anti Filariasis Campaign is the national programme of the Ministry of Health responsible for the control and prevention of Lymphatic Filariasis in Sri Lanka. The campaign extends the services to both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with filariasis, people with lymphoedema, and other manifestations of lymphatic filariasis to treat and improve their quality of life.

MORE ABOUT OUR CAMPAIGN

SERVICES WE PROVIDE

Parasitological screening in endemic districts

Treatment of all microfilariaemic patients with an effective combination of treatment

Entomological surveillance in endemic GN divisions and introduction of preventive methods of transmission

Reservoir surveillance in receptive localities for Brugian filariasis transmission

Surveillance in patients with chronic complications and alleviate sufferings through MMDP (Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention)

Training programmes

Increase awareness through advocacy, IEC activities and social mobilization

Conduct Operational Research

Monitoring and Evaluation of the programme

Inter-sectoral collaboration

Preventive measures

Parasitic detection through human and animal screening

To prevent filariasis, it is important to detect the parasite through human and animal screening.

Mass drug administration

Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is an effective strategy for controlling and eliminating lymphatic filariasis.

Preventing mosquito bites

The most effective way to prevent filariasis is by preventing mosquito bites. This can be achieved by using insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus

Vector control

Vector control measures aim to reduce the number of mosquitoes in endemic areas by eliminating breeding sites, as these serve as prime habitats for mosquito breeding

Screening immigrant employees from endemic countries and providing treatment

immigrant employees are screened by the International Organization for Migrants (IOM) before giving them residential visa.

Parasitic detection through human and animal screening: To prevent filariasis, it is important to detect the parasite through human and animal screening. There are two types of filariasis; anthropophilic and zoonotic filariasis, both of which can infect humans. By conducting Night Blood Film screenings in humans and blood filming during daytime in animals, the presence of the parasite could be identified through microscopy and treatment could be provided for the positive humans and animals.
Mass drug administration: Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is an effective strategy for controlling and eliminating lymphatic filariasis. It involves administering anti-filarial drugs to communities in endemic areas to reduce the number of infected individuals, interrupt the transmission cycle of the parasite, and prevent new infections from occurring.
Preventing mosquito bites:  The most effective way to prevent filariasis is by preventing mosquito bites. This can be achieved by using insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Additionally, wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and trousers or skirts in light colours, especially at night, will further prevent mosquito bites. It is also recommended to sleep under mosquito nets and install screens on doors and windows.
Vector control: Vector control measures aim to reduce the number of mosquitoes in endemic areas by eliminating breeding sites, as these serve as prime habitats for mosquito breeding. Examples of such measures include cleaning stagnant water sources such as blocked drains, properly sealing septic tanks, releasing larvivorous fish to water bodies that contain water plants, and spraying insecticides.
Screening immigrant employees from endemic countries and providing treatment-  immigrant employees are screened by the International Organization for Migrants (IOM) before giving them residential visa. The immigrants are screened using the Filaria Antigen Test (FAT) and referred to the Anti Filariasis Campaign for treatment, This strategy ensures stopping transmission of the disease through imported cases.

Dr. Udaya Rathnayake

Welcome to the website of the Anti-Filariasis Campaign, which is the public health organization responsible for lymphatic filariasis control in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka was validated as a country that

eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem

in 2016 by the World Health Organization. Currently, the programme is in the phase of post-validation surveillance, with the goal of total transmission interruption of the disease by 2030.

Director, Anti Filariasis Campaign

RECENT NEWS & EVENTS

Technical Advisory Group meeting-16 th June 2023
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District Review Meetings-5th July-15th August 2023
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School programmes-25th May-30th October 2023
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Academic sessions College of Community Physicians -12th August 2023
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Non-endemic training programmes-18th August-26th September 2023
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Events in April 2024

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Post validation phase

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Total number of positive cases for filariasis in 2023 (Night Blood Film, Filaria Antigen Test, Filaria Antibody Test positives)
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Total number of positive immigrant cases for filariasis in 2023 (Night Blood Film, Filaria Antigen Test, Filaria Antibody Test positives)
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Total number of lymphoedema patients registered at the clinics in endemic districts (up to 2023)
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Total number of new lymphoedema patients registered at the clinics in endemic districts 2023