Summary of the First Meeting of the International Task Force for Disease Eradication

Publication Date: June 2001

Publisher:

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

Keywords: schistosomiasis; onchocerciasis; disease eradication

Type: Report

Abstract:

ITFDE Report: Summary of the first meeting of the International Task Force for Disease Eradication, June 18, 2001 (PDF format). The Task Force reviewed criteria developed by the predecessor ITFDE for assessing eradicability of diseases, as well as the definitions of Eradication, Control, and Elimination. The Task Force also identified three issues for further deliberation: 1) use and varying definitions of the word "elimination" in regard to disease control; 2) how to assure equity among developed and developing countries in setting priorities for eradication initiatives, and 3) integration of eradication activities with other public health work. Four diseases considered at this meeting were onchocerciasis (river blindness) in the Americas, leprosy (Hansen's disease), schistosomiasis, and Chagas' disease.