Dracunculiasis eradication. Certification of absence of transmission.
[dracunculiasis]
Dracunculiasis transmission is now confined to the African continent. Eradication efforts must be intensified in the countries that are still endemic: Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Côte c'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, Togo and Uganda. In these countries provision of safe drinking-water, containment of cases and health education for the exposed populations remain key measures for the interruption of transmission++ and for success. The Commission felt that particular attention should be given to Ghana, Nigeria and Sudan where eradication activities have been facing difficulties. In countries where transmission has recently ceased (Chad, Senegal and Yemen) or where no indigenous cases were reported in 1999 (Cameroon, Kenya), surveillance must be intensified over a period of 3 consecutive years and should include coverage of non-endemic regions at risk. In addition, reporting should continue and be reinforced to ensure the provision of monthly reports to WHO.
