This course is intended to introduce participants to WHO’s Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF), specifically focusing on the strategies to reduce suffering among persons affected by the disease. The course was developed and refined based on training workshops that included both classroom and practical modules conducted in Southeast Asia, Americas, African and Western Pacific Regions. In addition to the etiology and pathology of lymphatic filariasis, participants will learn about the essential package of care that the WHO recommends for patients suffering from lymphoedema, elephantiasis, and hydrocele.
Photo credit: WHO / TDR / Chandran
Language: English
NTD
Course information
Overview The course is intended for national neglected tropical disease focal points, health professionals and care providers from LF-endemic countries. The course covers the strategies of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, assessment of persons with LF-disease, the clinical management of the disease including management of lymphoedema and hydrocele, and associated support such as mental health care.
Module 3 is an optional module tailored specifically for Neglected Tropical Diseases programme staff. It focuses on programmatic components of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, particularly relevant to designing, implementing, and measuring the impacts of services to provide care for persons affected by lymphedema and hydrocele. Further, it details the programmatic steps required for validation of a countries’ claim to have achieved elimination of LF as a public health problem.
Course duration: Approximately 5 hours.
Certificates: A Certificate of Achievement is available to participants who score at least 80% of the total points available in the final assessment. Participants who receive a Certificate of Achievement can also download an Open Badge for this course. Click here to learn how.
What you'll learn
- The components of WHO’s Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention essential package of care.
- Clinical lymphoedema management knowledge and skills based on the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis’ MMDP essential package of care.
- Strategies to assess and manage hydrocele cases through surgery.
- Strategies to strengthen country capacity to plan, implement and evaluate MMDP activities.
- The criteria related to the MMDP required for validation of elimination as a public health problem and facilitate formation of country-specific work plans for documenting these criteria for the LF elimination dossier.
- Available resources from the WHO LF MMDP toolkit and their use in national LF elimination programmes.
Who this course is for
- National Neglected Tropical Disease focal points.
- Health professionals.
- Care providers from LF endemic countries.
Course contents
Module 1: Introducing the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis:
By the end of this module, you will demonstrate knowledge of how lymphatic filariasis is transmitted; describe how lymphatic filariasis impacts affected populations; evaluate programmatic strategies to address LF infection and morbidity.Module 2: Clinical components:
By the end of this module, you will explain how filarial infection occurs; demonstrate knowledge of how lymphoedema, elephantiasis, and hydrocele develop; analyze the role of acute attacks (ADL) and interdigital lesions in the progression of lymphoedema.Final Assessment:
A certificate of achievement will be available to participants who score at least 80% on this assessment.Survey
Module 3: Programmatic components:
This is an optional module intended for neglected tropical disease focal points who are charged with implementing MMDP programmes. By the end of this module, you will: demonstrate Knowledge of the ultimate programmatic goal of the MMDP component of GPELF; list the components of the essential package of care for LF, describe the strategic framework to achieve the ultimate programmatic goal, explain the MMDP indicators and reporting frameworks.
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Certificate Requirements
- Gain a Record of Achievement by earning at least 80% of the maximum number of points from all graded assignments.
- Gain an Open Badge by completing the course.