West Sepik Province Gears Up for Neglected Tropical Diseases Mass Drug Administration in Pursuit of Healthier Communities

West Sepik Province is stepping up preparations for a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to prevent and control lymphatic filariasis (LF) and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). LF is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can damage the lymphatic system and cause chronic swelling (lymphoedema) of the limbs and other parts of the body, including severe conditions such as elephantiasis. The campaign will be delivered alongside intensified routine immunisation (IRI) activities across the province from October to November.

Throughout August, health teams and partners worked together in Vanimo to prepare medicines, health materials and other essential supplies for over 120 teams serving 38 health facilities across the province. The JICA LF Elimination Project supported the sorting, packing and initial distribution of these supplies, as well as logistics for the provincial Training of Trainers, helping strengthen the capacity of provincial and district health teams to plan, coordinate and deliver the upcoming integrated MDA and IRI activities.

The three-day training brought together over 90 participants and facilitators, further strengthening the capacity of provincial and district teams ahead of implementation. Many participants represented health facilities from across the province (Office in charge), and it was encouraging to see them closely engaged in the sessions, listening attentively and taking notes on key information to take back to their teams.

With preparations now moving from Vanimo to districts and health facilities, the focus is on equipping frontline teams to reach communities, including those in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Working in partnership with the West Sepik Provincial Health Authority (WSPHA), the National Department of Health (NDoH) and other partners, JICA is supporting locally led efforts to expand access to essential health services and advance the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in Papua New Guinea.