PREVENTION OF LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS THROUGH MASS DRUG ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM: MAJOR HINDRANCES TO ITS EFFECTIVENESS IN ENDEMIC AREAS IN THE WESTERN REGION OF GHANA

Lymphatic Filariasis is one of the five main neglected diseases that affect poor communities in Ghana and actually the only neglected disease that is still endemic in certain areas(hotspots) in the western region of Ghana after many years. Mass drug administration with ivermectin and albendazole has been the main preventive means to eradicate the disease. This study is focused on identifying the reasons for the endemicity and more especially lapses in the mass drug administration that affect the effectiveness of the program. The Ahanta west municipal assembly was the focus of the study of which several lapses with regards to the mass drug administration were identified and recommendations made for correcting these lapses that will make the program effective thereby helping in reducing if not eradicating the disease in this area.