Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is an endemic parasitic disease and a major cause of acute and chronic morbidity and incapacitation with devastating public health and socio-economic consequences. It exacerbates poor conditions of afflicted persons and endemic communities through reduced or lost labour supply and productivity. Stigmatisation and discrimination are byproducts of LF that lead to reduced prospects of both marriage and a normal sexual life. LF causes absenteeism from school and poor academic performance. Socioeconomic factors and the cost of treatment for LF are presented. Additionally, our discussion includes the description of a two-drug combination introduced in endemic communities to suppress circulating microfilariae and interrupt spread of the disease. An argument is also made for collective support of the current Global Programme for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem and obstacle to socioeconomic development.