Sierra Leone makes progress towards elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) 

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affecting the most impoverished communities in Sierra Leone, has been successfully interrupted in 15 of the 16 endemic districts, representing 94% of the country's population. As a result, the number of people requiring treatment for LF has dramatically decreased from 9,852,180 in 2005 to 1,101,486 in 2024. Sierra Leone, which is endemic for 11 of the 20 NTDs identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), has made significant progress in reducing the burden of these diseases, particularly through the application of preventive chemotherapy via Mass Drug Administration (MDA).

      2008 – 14 districts                                                2020 – 4 districts                          2023 – 1 district

NTDs, including Lymphatic Filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, and Soil-transmitted helminthiasis, remain a significant public health challenge in Sierra Leone. These diseases are primarily concentrated in underserved communities, where poverty and limited access to healthcare exacerbate their impact. The global focus on eliminating NTDs has guided national efforts, especially through the WHO's 2021-2030 NTD roadmap, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to end NTDs by 2030.

In Sierra Leone, Preventive Chemotherapy (PCT) administered through Mass Drug Administration has been instrumental in combating these diseases. The country achieved 100% geographical coverage for LF treatment in 2010 and has since transitioned from MDA to post-MDA surveillance, following successful rounds of MDA and transmission assessment surveys. Despite these advances, a few challenges persist, particularly in the last remaining district, where the prevalence of circulating filarial antigen (CFA) remains high. Cross-border migration, traditional beliefs, and low motivation among community drug distributors (CDDs) pose significant obstacles to achieving complete LF elimination.

WHO has played a critical role in Sierra Leone's fight against NTDs by ensuring the timely availability of quality-assured medicines and test kits, providing logistical support for transporting drugs to distribution points, and training national programme staff. WHO NTD officers also supervised and monitored the implementation of integrated MDAs, which targeted multiple NTDs simultaneously in the affected districts. Additionally, community engagement and awareness-raising campaigns, including radio discussions and the involvement of traditional healers, were key to boosting MDA compliance, especially among hard-to-reach populations.

As Sierra Leone moves closer to eliminating LF as a public health problem by 2025, the focus is on addressing the remaining challenges, particularly in the district where transmission persists. Enhancing community engagement strategies, collaborating with local NGOs, and ensuring the motivation of CDDs are crucial steps moving forward. With continued support from WHO and other partners, such as Helen Keller International, World Vision, and Sights avers, Sierra Leone is on track to meet its LF elimination goals and contribute to the broader effort of reducing the burden of NTDs globally.

For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, please contact:

SHARKAH Madlyn

National Communication Officer
WHO Sierra Leone
Email: sharkahm [at] who.int (sharkahm[at]who[dot]int)