An end to elephantiasis

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), often called elephantiasis, is caused by parasitic worms and causes grotesque swelling of the limbs, breasts and genitals.

A World Health Organisation-sponsored drive has delivered 1.9 billion doses of a simple cure since 2000. Pharmaceutical firms have offered drugs free, keeping costs minimal.

The success of the programme was highlighted in a paper in the Public Library of Science Neglected Tropical Diseases journal.

The treatment uses a combination of two drugs, both donated free of charge from GlaxoSmithKline and Merck and Co. These need to be given once a year for five years to ensure that the disease does not spread.

Another benefit of the drugs is that they also tackle intestinal worms, and approximately 100 million children and women have been treated for these.