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In 2000 WHO launched a global program to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Including in Indonesia, the Ministry of Health has also launched a sustainable program with the ideals of a LF-free Indonesia in 2020. Mass Drag Administration (MDA) or in Indonesia that called Pemberiam Obat Pencegahan Massal (POPM) launch in 2015, moreover October has been celebrated as Bulan Eliminasi Kaki Gajah (Belkaga) – Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Month.
Because Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) can be transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes that carry filarial worms, one way to prevent the spread of elephantiasis disease has been carried out by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia since October 2015 in the BELKAGA program for the Indonesian people.
The government has designated October as the Belkaga with the POPM program once a year for a minimum of five consecutive years. Belkaga is the provision of anti-filaria worm drugs to all residents living in endemic areas of elephantiasis every October, is the month of taking medicine to prevent LF simultaneously by people in endemic districts/cities.
At that time, Elephantiasis disease or LF is still common in Indonesia. According to data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, there are still 13,000 cases of LF, mainly in the regions of Papua, East Nusa Tenggara, West Java and Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. LF is a disease that causes swelling in the leg area. The cause is due to filarial worm infection in the lymph vessels. BELKAGA which is an accelerated step to realize Indonesian family free from LF in 2020.
There are only 6 provinces that are not endemic for LF in Indonesia, namely DKI Jakarta, DI Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali, Southeast Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara.
Eisai begins free supply of Diethylcarbamazine (DEC tablet) – one of LF treatments - in line with its global commitment to eliminate LF, which include provide the tablets for Indonesia. We support Indonesia Ministry of Health program start from the beginning of its launch. PT Eisai Indonesia employees are directly involved in so many activities to promote the implementation of MDA working with WHO and several NGOs in Indonesia. Eisai has been actively supporting the Belkaga launch event every October; 2015 MDA in Cibinong, West Java; 2016 in Gunung Mas Regency, Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan; 2017 in Demak, Central Java; 2018 in the New City of Aimas, Sorong Regency, West Papua Province; 2019 in Betun, Malaka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province.
This program takes place in areas throughout Indonesia which are endemic areas for LF to simultaneously consume drugs to prevent elephantiasis through the implementation of Mass Drug Administration (POPM). The administration of LF prevention drugs is also carried out free of charge by the government so that Indonesia will be free from LF. Consumption of LF prevention drugs can be carried out from the age of 2-70 years.