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History

GAELF was formed in 2000 with the sole purpose of supporting GPELF (which is based in the World Health Organization) in fundraising, advocacy, communications and technical assistance in support of GPELFs two goals which are

  1. the elimination of LF as a public health problem by 2020 and

  2. the alleviation of physical, social and economic hardship in individuals who have LF-induced disability.

In an innovative step, leaders in the LF community proposed a public-private partnership to strengthen technical and material support to the activities of GPELF. At a meeting in Spain in May 2000, participants, including GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co. Inc., the World Bank and WHO, as well as various non-governmental organisations, officially formed GAELF.

The second meeting of GAELF was held in May 2002 in India and focused on national ownership of elimination programmes, with a spotlight on poverty alleviation and sustainable development. GAELF also formed two Task Forces, one on Fundraising and Advocacy and the other on Communications. These were formed to advance GAELF's contributions to GPELF.

At its third meeting in Cairo (2004) GAELF recognised the remarkable progress of GPELF since its launch in 2000 - 25 million individuals treated in 12 countries in 2000 to 122 million individuals in 36 countries in 2003. The meeting was a time to recommit and a call for GAELF to double its efforts in enhancing the profile of LF elimination and securing funding for the country programmes.

A notable outcome of the Cairo meeting was the creation of a Representative Contact Group (RCG) and an Executive Group (EG) to guide GAELF. Elected by their own constituencies, the RCG representatives elected 6 members to the EG, appointing Dr Yankum Dadzie as Chair until the next meeting in Fiji with a remit to address the challenges of advocacy, communication and resource mobilisation.

The fourth meeting in Fiji (2006) reviewed lymphatic filariasis in relation to the Millennium Development Goals and recommended the way forward in solving the problems of resource limitations currently encountered by countries fighting to eliminate LF by the year 2020. The need for integration at all levels and advocacy was noted to be of paramount importance.

At the business session the RCG was recommended to be more active in guiding the work of the newly elected Executive Group of which Professor David Molyneux was elected as Executive Secretary (Chair). The challenges of advocacy, communication and resource mobilisation on behalf of the GPELF remain the same.

The fifth meeting in Tanzania (2008) allowed for the reflection on the success of GPELF as well as reflection on the role of the Alliance as a partnership. It was recommended that the way forward for the next decade was to focus on elimination, integration/co-implementation, research, morbidity control and financing.

The RCG reviewed the constitution of the Executive Group and revised the membership to 5 elected plus one standing position (RCG Chair) and 3 observers (GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co.Inc. and WHO). RCG nominated and elected members to the Executive Group. Thereafter, recognising that the elected Executive Group required additional country representation two representatives were co-opted.

The sixth meeting of GAELF was held in Seoul, Korea (2010). The theme of the meeting, “Half-time in LF Elimination: Teaming Up with NTDs,” highlighted the fact that 2010 marks the midpoint between the first GAELF meeting, held in 2000 in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and the World Health Organization (WHO) goal of global elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem by 2020. The “half-time” theme provided an appropriate backdrop for reflection, assessment, and planning.

The presentations highlighted the impressive accomplishments of GAELF’s first 10 years and provided insight into the major remaining challenges facing GAELF. Both accomplishments and challenges were articulated by several “case studies” from LF-endemic countries. Two themes, in particular, infused almost every presentation and discussion. First, LF elimination is increasingly integrated into a larger initiative to control neglected tropical diseases (NTDs); hence, the theme “Teaming up with NTDs.” Implications of this “teaming up” will affect all aspects of the GPELF, including drug regimens, advocacy, governance, financing, monitoring and evaluation, partnerships, morbidity management, vector control, research, and programme implementation. Secondly, the global health landscape has undergone remarkable changes since GAELF was established, which has resulted in new partnerships, initiatives and funding opportunities. These changes will only accelerate during the next 10 years, and foresight, flexibility, and strength of purpose will all be required.

The Secretariat of GAELF is based at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) with Dr Patrick Lammie (based at Centers for Disease Control [CDC]) as the Executive Group Secretary and Mrs Joan Fahy as the Executive Group Coordinator.