Remarkable Success

On June 13, 2013, The Carter Center distributed a press release announcing that Plateau and Nasarawa states are the first Nigerian states to stop the transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF), also commonly known as elephantiasis.

This is quite an achievement, as Nigeria is one of the most endemic countries in the world for LF with 22 million people infected and over an additional 100 million at risk. The parasites that cause LF are transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause excessive swelling of a person’s limbs and genitals. Causing tremendous suffering and social stigma, LF drastically compromises an individual’s quality of life and ability to care for his or her family.

Led by the Nigerian Ministry of Health and The Carter Center, an integrated control strategy was employed including public education by Nigerian community leaders and local ministry of health personnel, oral drug administration and distribution of long-lasting insecticidal mosquito bed nets. Clarke is proud to be included among the donors responsible for the success of this program including Merck, GlaxoSmithKline and Vestergaard.

Through the generous support of employees, friends, family, customers and partners, the Clarke Cares Foundation has been able to donate almost 118,000 mosquito nets to The Carter Center since 2009. These nets have been specifically designated for use in Plateau and Nasarawa as part of this LF elimination and malaria control program. By way of donations, all of us share in this remarkable achievement and can be rewarded in knowing that we can make a difference by helping to provide healthier futures for so many people.

Congratulations to The Carter Center and the Nigerian Ministry of Health.

Thank you to our supporters.