WHO announces the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has successfully eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. This landmark achievement exemplifies the nation’s commitment to health, and the culmination of decades-long dedicated efforts by the Lao government, health-care workers, communities, and national and international partners. This is the second neglected tropical disease (NTD) that the country has eliminated following the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in 2017.