Trends in Parasitology
Volume 20, Issue 8, 1 August 2004, Pages 347-351
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Research Focus
Disease eradication, elimination and control: the need for accurate and consistent usage

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2004.06.004Get rights and content

Abstract

This article seeks to clarify the terminology associated with disease control, elimination and eradication programmes. There are several global activities under way, which are initiated and guided by resolutions of the World Health Assembly. Scrutiny of the feasibility of achieving eradication goals by bodies such as the International Task Force for Disease Eradication has identified diseases that could be eradicated. The criteria for this attribution as eradicable, the definitions guiding policy, and examples of programmes and strategies are provided here. This article pleads for scientific, health policy and editorial communities to be more consistent in the use of the terms control, elimination and eradication, and to adhere to published definitions.

Section snippets

Concepts of control, elimination and eradication

In 1988, the International Task Force for Disease Eradication (ITFDE; http://www.cartercenter.org) was formed to evaluate systematically the potential for eradication of candidate diseases and to identify specific barriers to eradication. The criteria used to assess the feasibility of eradication are provided in Box 1 [4]. The original ITFDE used these criteria to review >90 diseases, 30 of them in depth, and concluded in 1993 that only six diseases could probably be eradicated using existing

Concluding comments

We suggest that scientists should recognize and accept the terminology of the Dahlem workshop [5]. It is also inappropriate, confusing and misleading to have different health communities (for humans and animals) involved with infectious agents and insect vectors, applying clearly defined terms so loosely and inaccurately. Editors should also assume responsibility for maintaining terminological precision.

Glossary

Glossary

Control:
Reduction of disease incidence, prevalence, morbidity or mortality to a locally acceptable level as a result of deliberate efforts. Continued intervention measures are required to maintain the reduction.
Elimination of disease:
Reduction to zero of the incidence of a specified disease in a defined geographical area as a result of deliberate efforts. Continued intervention measures are required.
Elimination of infection:
Reduction to zero of the incidence of infection caused by a specified

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