There is hope for treating tropical diseases. A U.S.-funded program integrates for the first time treatment programs for tropical diseases that affects 1 billion people, or one out of six of the world population.

The U.S. Agency for International Development-funded Neglected Tropical Disease Control Program is behind the distribution of medicines to more than 14 million people in four African nations affected with lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, trachoma, onchocerciasis, and soil-transmitted helminths

Scientists found that an inexpensive antibiotic also helps treat elephantiasis, a disease which causes severe swelling in the limbs or scrotum.

A team from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine found that doxycyline offered some relief to those in the advanced stages of the disease.

It also killed the worms that cause the disease

China submitted its application to the World Health Organization on Wednesday for verification and elimination of the transmission of the debilitating disease lymphatic filariasis.

If approved, China may soon be officially declared free of the disease, 15 years ahead of the global elimination target of 2020