New Ireland steps up Filariasis fight as partners back transmission survey

Global health partners have stepped up efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in New Ireland, launching a new transmission survey to confirm the province remains free from the mosquito-borne disease.

The World Health Organization [WHO], Japan International Cooperation Agency [JICA], and the National Department of Health [NDoH] have joined forces to train 28 local health workers to carry out the Transmission Assessment Survey [TAS 2] across the province.

The exercise follows a successful first survey in 2021, when New Ireland’s disease prevalence dropped to 0.17 percent, which was well below the national elimination threshold.

NDoH Technical Officer Mary Yohogu said the second survey is crucial to ensure that infections remain below one percent and to prevent any resurgence.

“If results show prevalence above one percent, another round of mass drug administration will be conducted but only in affected areas. Places below the threshold will not require further treatment,” Yohogu said.

The survey targets 52 children aged between six and seven years in each selected ward, using them as indicators to detect any remaining transmission.

Institute of Medical Research is also supporting the program through monitoring and evaluation and has approved an additional drug for use should positive cases be found.

14 teams began fieldwork on October 23 after an intensive one-day training supported by WHO, JICA, and NDoH. Results from the survey are expected by the end of this week.