Accelerating the Uptake of WHO Recommendations for Mass Drug Administration Using Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine, and Albendazole.

Abstract

ABSTRACT.Triple therapy with ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine, and albendazole (IDA) for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) represents a compelling example of accelerating the timeline from development to introduction and impact. Previous articles outlined how the clinical development process was able to compress timelines and provide the evidence needed for the WHO to issue guidelines on the use of IDA for mass drug administration for LF. We explored the drivers for the rapid and successful introduction of IDA in the early-adopter countries. Lessons from this experience highlight five key elements for moving from WHO recommendations to program uptake after the publication of the guideline: 1) early engagement with stakeholders to create partnerships to coordinate and plan for implementation; 2) recognition by countries and partners of the potential of IDA to improve efforts to eliminate LF; 3) high-level commitment and coordination at regional levels and, most importantly, at the country level; 4) understanding of the perspectives among people living in LF-endemic communities where mass drug administration is warranted; and 5) affirmation of the feasibility of IDA through sharing lessons learned.