Dracunculiasis eradication: March 1994 update.
Substantial progress has been realized in the global campaign to eradicate dracunculiasis by the end of 1995 since a previous review of the subject was published in this journal a year ago. All known endemic countries are now engaged in the eradication effort, and one or more control measures are now in place in 93% of endemic villages. Despite improved surveillance for the disease, the number of reported cases of the disease has been reduced by 41% (to about 221,000), and the number of known endemic villages has been reduced by 28% (to about 16,500) in the past year. Priorities for national eradication programs in 1994 include increasing the use of vector control and intensifying the case containment strategy in endemic villages. It is still possible to achieve the eradication target of December 1995, but greatly intensified efforts this year will be required to do so.
Hopkins
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Global 2000, Inc., Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia.
Ruiz-Tiben
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Ruebush
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Agle
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Withers
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D000350:Africa, Central / Q000453:epidemiology; D000351:Africa, Eastern / Q000453:epidemiology; D000354:Africa, Western / Q000453:epidemiology; D000818:Animals; D004320:Dracunculiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology