On April 2, 2025, MDP and Togo’s Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene co-hosted a large celebration in the community of Kouvé Gboli, culminating in the administration of the five billionth treatment by *Merck’s Ms. Marilyn Mainardi to community member Mrs. Amavi Amouzou.
Togo was selected for this celebration as it was the first country in Africa to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem with donated Mectizan co-administered with GSK’s donation of albendazole. Togo was validated by WHO for eliminating LF in 2017, serving as proof that elimination in Africa is possible. Malawi and Yemen have also eliminated LF with Mectizan and albendazole.
During the event, the critical role played by community drug distributors (CDDs) was highlighted. Without their determination and commitment, elimination would not be possible. The CDDS and the community performed skits demonstrating the challenges of distribution and the impact mass drug administration (MDA) has on relieving the suffering caused by onchocerciasis (river blindness) and lymphatic filariasis.
Togo also successfully eliminated trachoma and African sleeping sickness and eradicated Guinea worm. Togo has truly led the way toward a future free of these debilitating neglected tropical diseases.
MDP is very grateful for the support of Togo’s NTD Program Manager, Dr. Piham Gnossike, who worked with the communities to organize this highly successful and well-attended event.
*Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA, is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada.