Theory of the eradication of malaria

The natural disappearance of malaria from certain areas-a phenomenon which has for many years been observed in various parts of the world-is discussed in relation to the recent deliberate elimination of the disease from large tracts of land. The process of elimination, the detection of residual foci, and the ways in which the disease may be reintroduced into a country are outlined briefly, and the course of events in epidemics which arise from small origins is described in detail. The factors affecting the basic reproduction rate in such epidemics-mean duration of infectivity of a primary malaria case, density of mosquitos in relation to man, and longevity and degree of anthropophilism of the vector concerned-are analysed, and a simplified method of expressing this rate mathematically is given in an annex.     

Problems of epidemiology in malaria eradication

With an increasing number of malaria eradication programmes approaching or entering the consolidation phase, the epidemiological features of disappearing malaria are getting better known and defined. At the same time, the old classical methods of measuring malaria prevalence have become inadequate and new methods for the epidemiological assessment of the progress of eradication are being developed.     

Control of malaria in Africa: from the eradication of malaria to the control of malaria

The control strategies usually recommended in Africa south of the Sahara have not been followed by a lasting decline in the endemic level of the disease in the rural environment. The set-backs of the eradication period have revealed the need to redefine control objectives and strategies adapted to each type of malaria. Systematic chemotherapy for attacks of fever is a strategy that can be proposed in all circumstances; it avoids mortality from malaria; it can be carried out in the field on a country scale. The other means of control, directed against the parasites and the vectors, may be used depending of the specific situation in each country and on each type of malaria. Malaria control has to be integrated into the basic health system of each country, and we need to improve health education and develop primary health care. We must continue with our efforts to develop new antimalarial drugs, insecticides and vaccines; urgent steps must be taken to train malariologists capable of adapting the new techniques to the actual situation in the field. It is by associating socioeconomic development with the control means as a whole that we shall be able to control the various types of malaria and to reach out towards the objective of health for all by the year 2000.     

The nation-wide campaign against malaria in Venezuela

Venezuela is considered divided into three regions: Costa-Cordillera, Llanos and Guayana, which are different in topographical, meteorological, social and economic characters. Malaria, as a result of the topographical and meteorological conditions, has played an important role in creating the difference between these regions.     

Yaws eradication campaign in Nsukka Division,Eastern Nigeria

Nsukka Division in Eastern Nigeria was chosen as the starting point for a yaws eradication campaign undertaken by the Government assisted by WHO and UNICEF. Yaws was found to be hyper-endemic, and a policy of total mass treatment was therefore adopted. The objectives of the campaign, the field organization and methods of operation, and the clinical findings and treatment schedules used are described.