Lymphatic filariasis occurs in at least 73 countries. It is most common
in India and Africa, but occurs elsewhere in Asia, the Pacific and the
Americas as well.
How many people are infected?
At least 1 billion individuals – 1 out of every 5 people alive – are at
risk of developing lymphatic filariasis.
What is the true cost of the disease?
Permanent long-term disability (lymphatic filariasis is the
world's second leading cause)
Social loss (lost or broken marriages, lost parenthood
opportunities)
Personal shame and injury (mental and physical)
Lost/diminished economic productivity
Sheer scale of treatment costs (that can bankrupt health services
in resource-poor developing countries where the disease is often at
its worst)
Actual financial costs are difficult to calculate but are huge. Costs
in India alone are estimated to be in excess of $1.5 billion annually.