Pac-ELF
World Health
Organization		 Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in the Pacific

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What is PacELF?
  • A regional collaborative approach in eliminating filariasis by the year 2010 -10 years before global elimination.
  • Represents the 22 islands and territories in the pacific region.
  • Through the introduction of new tools and the efforts of a coordinating body - Mass Drug Administration (MDA)
  • The first attempt at an elimination of a vector borne disease in a regional area.
BACKGROUND
  • In May 1997, the World Health Assembly called for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem globally by 2020.
  • In March 1999, Ministers and Directors of Health endorsed the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in all 22 Pacific Island countries and territories.
  • In June 1999, the World Health Organizations and the Secretaries of the Pacific Community sponsored a meeting of public health practitioners and others working in the field of filariasis in the Pacific. Participants nominated members of the Coordinating Body.
  • In December 1999, members of the Coordinating Body discussed and agreed to the outline of PacELF at its first Coordinating Body meeting.
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WHERE IS PacELF HOME (HQ)?
PacELF regional office (PacELF HOME) is located in MATAIKA HOUSE;
National Centre for Scientific Services on Virology and Vector Borne Diseases, Suva, Fiji
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HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PacELF?
Dr Kazuyo Ichimori,
WHO Scientist, WHO,
Georges Pompidou Building,
P. O. Box 177, Port Vila, Vanuatu Tel.: (678) 27683 ; Fax: (678)22691

Francis Maietta,
Management Education Specialist, PRVBD Project, SPC,
BP D5, Noumea 98848,
New Caledonia
Tel.: (678) 260179; Fax: (687) 263828
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NEW TOOLS FOR FILARIASIS ELIMINATION
There are now two new tools to help eliminate filariasis:
  • the combination of drugs - DEC and albendazole; and
  • the recent development of antigen test kits.
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WHY IS A COORDINATED APPROACH NEEDED IN THE PACIFIC?
Because:
- Most Pacific island countries are small with few resources.
- People travel from island to island and country to country frequently.
  • Work together to share resources including information and
  • Help each other to implement a comprehensive regional strategy.
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CORDINATING BODY
Members :
- SPC,
- WHO,
- Country Representatives (selected)

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