Disease Eradication in the 21st Century ─ Implications for Global Health

Disease eradication represents the ultimate in global equity and the definitiveoutcome of good public health practice. Thirty years ago, the elimination of smallpox defineddisease eradication as a monumental global achievement with lasting benefits for society. Today, theglobal commitment to eradicate polio and guinea worm and heightened interest in the potentialeradication of other infectious diseases, including measles/rubella, lymphatic filariasis,onchocerciasis, and malaria, dominate public health concerns. But what does it take to eradicate adisease? This book takes a fresh look at the evolving concepts of disease eradication, influenced byscientific advances, field experience, societal issues, and economic realities. A diverse group ofexperts from around the world, representing a range of disciplines, examines the biological, social,political, and economic complexities of eradicating a disease. The book details lessons learned fromthe initiatives against polio, measles/rubella, and onchocerciasis. Further chapters examine ethicalissues, the investment case, governance models, organizational and institutional arrangements,political and social factors, feasibility of eradication goals, priority setting, and theintegration of disease eradication programs with existing health systems.

Stephen L. Cochi is Senior Advisor to the Director, Global Immunization Division, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Walter R. Dowdle is Director of the Polio Antivirals Initiative at the Task Force for Global Health in Decatur, Georgia.