Coverage Validation Survey for Lymphatic Filariasis Treatment in Itang Special District of Gambella Regional State of Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abinet Teshome,1 Mekuria Asnakew Asfaw,2 Chuchu Churko,2 Manaye Yihune,3 Yilma Chisha,3 Birhanu Getachew,4 Nebiyu Negussu Ayele,5 Fikre Seife,6 Tamiru Shibiru,7 Zerihun Zerdo2 1Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Science, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 2Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Research and Training Center for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 3Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 4Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 5Federal Ministry of Health, Department of Health System Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 6Federal Ministry of Health, Disease Prevention and Control Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 7Arba Minch University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Arba Minch, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Abinet Teshome Email ableteshe@yahoo.comBackground: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the most debilitating and disfiguring diseases common in Ethiopia. In order to alleviate this problem Mass drug administration (MDA) has been given once a year for the public living in endemic sites. Despite this fact there might be a difference between reported coverage and the actual coverage on the ground due to various errors, so assessing the actual coverage through coverage validation survey appears imperative.Objective: The aim of this survey was to assess the difference between the reported coverage and actual coverage of Ivermectin (IVM) and Albendazole (ALB) treatment given for Lymphatic Filariasis in Itang special district of Gambella regional state, Ethiopia.Setting: The study was conducted in Itang special district of Gambella region, the district was purposively selected for lymphatic filariasis treatment coverage survey. Eligible individuals aged 5 and above were interviewed. Data about the children were collected from parents or guardians and analyzed using STATA.Results: The survey showed that the coverage for LF treatment was 81.5%. From 825 individuals that reported that they were offered the treatment 823 (99.6%) swallowed the drug. The coverage in school age children (5– 14) shows significant difference with treatment coverage in individuals aged 15 and above (p< 0.001) in the last mass drug administration campaign. The main reason for not being offered preventive chemotherapy (PC) during the mass drug administration campaigns was missing class during the MDA (37.2%).Conclusion: The treatment coverage is higher than the recommended coverage of 65% of the target population. The coverage in school age children (5– 14) showed significant difference with treatment coverage in individuals aged 15 and above. Improving the coverage level beyond this can significantly contribute to the LF elimination goal.Keywords: lymphatic filariasis, ivermectin, albendazole, coverage