Disease Elimination—Successes and Challenges

Résumé fourni par la source

Abstract This chapter details the unprecedented progress toward elimination of transmission or elimination as a public health problem of three neglected tropical diseases—onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and trachoma. The strategies used and the history of their development are documented, and endemic areas and regions are identified. A major component of the elimination strategy for the three diseases is annual preventive chemotherapy of donated drugs by mass drug administration, usually through a network of community-directed distributors. This is accompanied by morbidity management. The parameters for confirmation of progress and elimination, through standardized evaluation, are documented, as well as available diagnostic technologies. The chapter also looks at the economic aspects of the programs, focusing on the cost effectiveness of the interventions and the projected social and economic gains of elimination. It discusses neglected tropical disease programs in the context of the broader development agenda, as these interventions focus on the alleviation and prevention of disability and the treatment of the most vulnerable and difficult-to-access populations. Challenges to reach elimination are also discussed—including epidemiological challenges, the need to integrate programs into wider health systems, and the need for further national and cross-border coordination. Despite these challenges, the chapter makes a strong case that with the guidelines, partnerships, and structures in place today the ambitious elimination goals set out by the World Health Organization are in reach.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.