In 1993, an International Task Force for Disease Eradication evaluated over 80 potential candidate diseases and made recommendations. However, little has been done to develop the science of eradication systematically. This book reports the findings of a multidisciplinary workshop on the eradication of infectious diseases.

In October, 1987, smallpox became the first disease of humans to have been deliberately eradicated. Since then, global eradication campaigns against dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) and poliomyelitis have nearly reached their goals, and initial steps have been taken to stimulate similar programs to eradicate lymphatic filariasis and measles. Other successful efforts are expected to follow these. In 1993, an International Task Force for Disease Eradication evaluated over 80 potential candidate diseases and made recommendations. However, little has been done to develop the science of eradication systematically. This book reports the findings of a multidisciplinary workshop on the eradication of infectious diseases. It reviews the history of eradication efforts and lessons from previous campaigns and distinguishes among eradication, elimination, and control programs and extinction of an etiologic agent. It addresses a wide range of related issues, including biological and socio-political criteria for eradication, costs and benefits of eradication campaigns, opportunities for strengthening primary health care in the course of eradication efforts, and other aspects of planning and implementing eradication programs. Finally, it stresses the importance of global mechanisms for formulating and implementing such programs. Goal of this Dahlem Workshop: to identify the biological/epidemiological, cost/benefit, and societal/political criteria for the eradication of infectious diseases.