[Eradication of infectious diseases by vaccination]

Vaccination can achieve global eradication of transmissible diseases presenting certain features, i.e., low incidence of inapparent forms, existence of a single stable pathogen, strictly human reservoir, inter-human transmission involving no vector, and availability of an effective well-tolerated low-cost vaccine. After the triumphant eradication of smallpox demonstrated the feasibility of universal immunization, the WHO launched a vaccination program against poliomyelitis. Although total eradication of poliomyelitis has proven to be a more difficult challenge, it will likely be achieved provided that necessary funding is provided and that the government commitment in affected countries is strong. No other global eradication programs are currently planned even though there are several potentially eradicable diseases including measles and rubella. These two diseases have practically been eliminated in industrialized countries. In developing countries, WHO objectives now call for controlling measles by vaccination to reduce fatalities and attempting to eliminate neonatal tetanus that was, until only recently, a major cause of newborn mortality.