Benefit for people with intestinal parasites: Albendazole is also used for the control of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and ivermectin has been shown to have anti-parasitic action against several intestinal parasites of concern. Consequently, the GPELF is expected to have an impact on the prevalence and intensity of common STH infections. It is important to note that LF programmes co-administrating albendazole and ivermectin will have a much higher impact on trichuris [44] than dedicated STH control programmes using single-drug treatments of albendazole or mebendazole [45]. Furthermore, the GPELF community-wide treatment programmes will have a higher impact on hookworm since the majority of worms are harboured by adults [45–47]. This community-wide approach also serves to address at least some of the needs for women of childbearing age living in hookworm endemic areas where anaemia is a concern during pregnancy [48, 49].

Benefit for people with scabies: Ivermectin is an effective treatment for scabies and can cause the community prevalence to fall dramatically after a few rounds of treatment [50]. Cured individuals show improvements in sleep patterns and overall wellbeing and decreased incidence of skin infections and renal disease [51].

Benefit for co-endemic onchocerciasis areas: Because of its broad geographic range, the GPELF has brought ivermectin treatment to millions of people living in onchocerciasis-endemic areas not previously targeted by onchocerciasis control programmes (as these programmes previously focused primarily on communities where the prevalence of onchocerciasis exceeds 40%) [52]. The GPELF is therefore likely contributing significantly to the elimination of onchocerciasis transmission.