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Eradicating Diseases
George D.
started this petition to
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO)
The only sane approach with our current knowledge is to eradicate from the face of the earth as many diseases as possible as soon as possible!
Here is why:
Never before in human history have we been able to eradicate a number of diseases. And the savings in health and costs are astronomical. Smallpox eradication = $300 MILLION.
Savings since 1980 = more than $43 BILLION! And these savings will continue indefinitely! Plus 100 million people did not get Smallpox!
So, understanding these facts, we must spare no expense now in order to save vastly more, and have it available for other diseases.
Please sign this petition to show your support for the idea of eradicating diseases that we know how to eradicate, as soon as possible. If we put eradication off, viruses can mutate.
The Power of the People - us - is needed to finish the job. If you believe that this is a great opportunity, PLEASE sign it and then share it as widely as possible. Thank you!
BACKGROUND TO ERADICATING DISEASES
Looking back on my long life, I regret that, as a doctor, I did not take the opportunity to become involved in eradicating a disease. It is only recently that this has been possible. For example, we had smallpox vaccine available since 1796, for almost 150 years, until a Ukrainian doctor, Dr Viktor Zhdanov (1914-1987) first proposed in 1958 that eradication could be achieved. It took some years for him to be heard, but finally the World Health Organization (WHO) asked my former boss at the CDC, Dr D. A. Henderson, to head up the Smallpox Eradication Program. I was busy trying to slow the Population Explosion, so I did not apply for a position to assist in this program that went country by country. It should be obvious that, if we have the ability to eradicate a disease, we should spend whatever it takes to do so, because the money saved and the human suffering prevented will be enormous and will last an eternity. Here is a list of diseases, and the means of possible eradication that are currently available, so that my younger colleagues will consider this opportunity and not miss it.
SMALLPOX
In 1980, Smallpox was declared eradicated worldwide. The disease had already killed 300 million people in the 20th Century alone. Since 1980, no one has contracted smallpox, no one has died of smallpox, and health facilities have not had to care for the 100 million cases that would have occurred.
RINDERPEST
Rinderpest is the first and only animal disease that has been eradicated (2011). A disease of cattle and buffalo, outbreaks decimated herds, causing famines that killed millions of humans.
MALARIA
In 1882, malaria was prevalent in the Eastern two-thirds of the U.S. and the San Joachin Valley in California. Only a few western states and those living in the Appalachian Mountains were not affected. By 1935, most of the U.S was free of malaria, except for several Southeastern States. It is not clear what caused the natural elimination of this deadly disease from large portions of the U.S. In 1947, Dr L. L. Williams proposed that eradication could be achieved, and a program of spraying the interior walls of homes with DDT was begun. By the end of 1949, 4,650,000 houses had been sprayed. Female mosquitoes carrying the malarial parasite characteristically landed on the wall before trying to get blood out of a victim. When they did, the DDT killed them. Tragically, DDT harms the environment, making egg shells fragile, and wiping out bird species, so it was outlawed. In addition to the DDT spraying, drainage, and the elimination of other mosquito breeding places, which includes any standing water, were employed. In 1949, the U.S. was declared free of malaria as a significant public health problem. Now we have the opportunity to deal with it worldwide. Bed netting, and a new Malaria vaccine will help. In Malawi (SE Africa), in the past 4 years, over 400,000 children have received at least one dose of the vaccine. With 4 doses, the severe forms of the disease are being prevented, and other countries are beginning to use the vaccine. Studies to have female mosquitoes mate with sterile males are underway. Getting rid of mosquitoes, the world’s most dangerous predator, may not be easy, but the rewards will be huge. It is important to note that we do not have to get rid of mosquitoes to get rid of several diseases. We have to break transmission from one host to another, and then the parasite or virus will simply disappear!
TUBERCULOSIS
In 2019, it was estimated that there were about 10 million new cases of TB, and 1.2 million TB-related deaths. The Program to eliminate TB in cattle has been successful to date. It is estimated that the benefits are 12 times the cost, due to reduced bovine slaughter, and decreased TB in humans. It is estimated that one-quarter (2 Billion) of the entire world population of humans are infected with tuberculosis. Only 5 - 10% of those infected come down with the illness. That is potentially 200 million people. Since treatment is prolonged and expensive, eradication would, in the long run, save trillions of dollars. Eradication can be accomplished with the careful treatment and isolation of cases, the use of the BCG vaccine, and health education to reduce spread.
GUINEA WORM DISEASE (Dracunculiasis)
In 1986, there were 3.5 million cases of guinea worm disease reported worldwide (only in Africa and Asia). In 2015, thanks mainly to the Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, the number was down to 22 cases; by 2020, only 27 cases were reported, and in 2022, there were 13 cases! If this disease is eradicated shortly, it will be the first parasitic disease to be eradicated, and the first disease eradicated without a vaccine or medicine. Difficulties remain because species other than humans can be infected: domestic dogs and cats, and baboons. The official name of the parasite is dracunculiasis, which means “affliction with little dragons” in Latin. The worms can exit the body anywhere, over a period of weeks, causing great pain. Infected children can have their knees or feet destroyed, so that they can never walk. The disease is eradicated with health education and maintaining the political will. Health education consists of drinking only filtered water, and keeping afflicted individuals out of the water, so that the worms cannot release their larvae into the water.
MUMPS
In 1964 there were roughly 212,000 cases of mumps in the U.S. Now outbreaks of mumps are rare. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective in preventing Mumps, Measles, and Rubella
MEASLES
Deaths from measles have declined globally by 75% since 2000. Measles can affect the immune system, making the victim more susceptible to many other diseases. Vaccinate with MMR vaccine.
RUBELLA
Rubella has officially been declared eradicated from the Americas, but there are still 120,000 babies born with rubella-related birth defects (deafness, blindness, and brain damage) worldwide every year. Vaccinate with MMR vaccine.
POLIO
In 1985, there were 350,000 cases in 125 countries, so Rotary International initiated an eradication program. In 2016 there were only 40 cases of paralysis! Only about 1% of those infected become paralyzed. Now the virus is endemic in only two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan. Volunteers can be used to administer two drops of oral polio vaccine, and to participate in National Immunization Days, where an attempt is made to vaccinate every child under age 5. At this time, it is practical to eradicate polio in Pakistan.
TRACHOMA An eye infection leading to blindness, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, puts millions of people at risk, especially in Africa. The path to eradication is SAFE: Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and hand hygiene, Surgery to deal with the blindness phase; azithromycin, supplied by Pfizer, to treat the infection; facial cleanliness to prevent transmission; and Environmental improvements like clean water to help prevent spread.
CHOLERA
Estimates are that, every year, the cholera vibrio produces 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of the disease, and 21,000 to 143,000 die worldwide. Cholera is treatable and preventable. It could be eradicated with sufficient will, and proper sanitation.
RIVER BLINDNESS
In the Western Hemisphere, The Carter Center has led the fight to eradicate onchocerciasis, or river blindness. Eleven of 13 endemic areas have been cleared. Still remaining are the Yanomami tribe, nomads in Brazil and Venezuela, who are constantly on the rivers where the Black fly that carries the parasite, breeds. Africa has much more of this disease. Eradication is possible with Health education, face netting and Ivermectin.
YAWS
Yaws is a chronic, infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum, an organism similar to that of syphilis. It should have been eradicated by now, because humans are the only hosts and because Penicillin eradicated 95% of cases by 1970, but the collapse of programs and lack of followup permitted it to flare up again. Who re-committed in 2007, and in 2012, it was determined that azithromycin could cure yaws with one oral dose, which spurred the effort. Since we know that vast amounts of money will be saved by completing the eradication, not to mention the alleviation of human suffering, we can say that it is a matter of will that is required to complete the job. We will supply that willpower, and support those willing to finish the job.
ELEPHANTIASIS (LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS)
In 2020, eight hundred and sixty-three (863) million people in 50 countries live where they can be infected by this disease. Sixty-eight million are infected. Prevention is giving an annual dose of medicines to everyone. An effort is on to eradicate it, which would save the cost of distributing 863 million doses of medicine every year! The problem is that, like malaria, the worms are carried by the most dangerous predator known to man, the mosquito! So wearing long pants and long sleeves during the day, and mosquito netting at night, and using repellents on exposed skin surfaces will reduce the risk. Getting rid of mosquitoes in a given area has been done, and can be done again. Treating everyone at the same time could break the cycle of transmission, and the savings from eradication would be enormous. Further study is needed.
CYSTICERCOSIS
2 - 8 million cases estimated of this tapeworm infection worldwide. It can be treated, but prevention is through health education, sanitation and the vaccination of pigs. A program exists to eradicate it.
LEPROSY
Tanzania had 35,000 cases in 1983; they are down to 1600 in 2019. As a result, they have a plan in place to eradicate leprosy by 2025. It is endemic in 14 other countries (India has half of the cases), largely because of the shame of having it, and the social ostracism. When people learn that it is difficult to transmit to family members, they are greatly relieved, and will often submit to treatment. WHO provides the multi-drug therapy free of charge. Health educators are key in the effort. Many are volunteers.
CRIMEAN-CONGO HEMORRHAGIC FEVER
A good candidate for ultimate eradication because of a high case-fatality ratio (10%-40%), this disease sometimes results in hospital and health facility outbreaks, and is difficult to prevent and to treat. Also this disease is endemic in all of Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Asia. For now, outbreaks are dealt with as they occur.
AIDS
AIDS is scheduled for eradication by 2030. We will support that effort.
THE COUNTRY OF TOGO, AFRICA
Togo has become the first country to eliminate four devastating neglected tropical diseases, and has been roundly congratulated by WHO and by other involved organizations. The diseases that have been eradicated are: Guinea Worm Disease (dracunculiasis), Elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis), Sleeping Sickness (human African trypanosomiasis), and Trachoma. The people of Togo and their leaders are heroes.
WORLD GLOBAL HEALTH OBSERVATORY To obtain data on any disease in any country, please Google World Global Health Observatory.
Here is why:
Never before in human history have we been able to eradicate a number of diseases. And the savings in health and costs are astronomical. Smallpox eradication = $300 MILLION.
Savings since 1980 = more than $43 BILLION! And these savings will continue indefinitely! Plus 100 million people did not get Smallpox!
So, understanding these facts, we must spare no expense now in order to save vastly more, and have it available for other diseases.
Please sign this petition to show your support for the idea of eradicating diseases that we know how to eradicate, as soon as possible. If we put eradication off, viruses can mutate.
The Power of the People - us - is needed to finish the job. If you believe that this is a great opportunity, PLEASE sign it and then share it as widely as possible. Thank you!
BACKGROUND TO ERADICATING DISEASES
Looking back on my long life, I regret that, as a doctor, I did not take the opportunity to become involved in eradicating a disease. It is only recently that this has been possible. For example, we had smallpox vaccine available since 1796, for almost 150 years, until a Ukrainian doctor, Dr Viktor Zhdanov (1914-1987) first proposed in 1958 that eradication could be achieved. It took some years for him to be heard, but finally the World Health Organization (WHO) asked my former boss at the CDC, Dr D. A. Henderson, to head up the Smallpox Eradication Program. I was busy trying to slow the Population Explosion, so I did not apply for a position to assist in this program that went country by country. It should be obvious that, if we have the ability to eradicate a disease, we should spend whatever it takes to do so, because the money saved and the human suffering prevented will be enormous and will last an eternity. Here is a list of diseases, and the means of possible eradication that are currently available, so that my younger colleagues will consider this opportunity and not miss it.
SMALLPOX
In 1980, Smallpox was declared eradicated worldwide. The disease had already killed 300 million people in the 20th Century alone. Since 1980, no one has contracted smallpox, no one has died of smallpox, and health facilities have not had to care for the 100 million cases that would have occurred.
RINDERPEST
Rinderpest is the first and only animal disease that has been eradicated (2011). A disease of cattle and buffalo, outbreaks decimated herds, causing famines that killed millions of humans.
MALARIA
In 1882, malaria was prevalent in the Eastern two-thirds of the U.S. and the San Joachin Valley in California. Only a few western states and those living in the Appalachian Mountains were not affected. By 1935, most of the U.S was free of malaria, except for several Southeastern States. It is not clear what caused the natural elimination of this deadly disease from large portions of the U.S. In 1947, Dr L. L. Williams proposed that eradication could be achieved, and a program of spraying the interior walls of homes with DDT was begun. By the end of 1949, 4,650,000 houses had been sprayed. Female mosquitoes carrying the malarial parasite characteristically landed on the wall before trying to get blood out of a victim. When they did, the DDT killed them. Tragically, DDT harms the environment, making egg shells fragile, and wiping out bird species, so it was outlawed. In addition to the DDT spraying, drainage, and the elimination of other mosquito breeding places, which includes any standing water, were employed. In 1949, the U.S. was declared free of malaria as a significant public health problem. Now we have the opportunity to deal with it worldwide. Bed netting, and a new Malaria vaccine will help. In Malawi (SE Africa), in the past 4 years, over 400,000 children have received at least one dose of the vaccine. With 4 doses, the severe forms of the disease are being prevented, and other countries are beginning to use the vaccine. Studies to have female mosquitoes mate with sterile males are underway. Getting rid of mosquitoes, the world’s most dangerous predator, may not be easy, but the rewards will be huge. It is important to note that we do not have to get rid of mosquitoes to get rid of several diseases. We have to break transmission from one host to another, and then the parasite or virus will simply disappear!
TUBERCULOSIS
In 2019, it was estimated that there were about 10 million new cases of TB, and 1.2 million TB-related deaths. The Program to eliminate TB in cattle has been successful to date. It is estimated that the benefits are 12 times the cost, due to reduced bovine slaughter, and decreased TB in humans. It is estimated that one-quarter (2 Billion) of the entire world population of humans are infected with tuberculosis. Only 5 - 10% of those infected come down with the illness. That is potentially 200 million people. Since treatment is prolonged and expensive, eradication would, in the long run, save trillions of dollars. Eradication can be accomplished with the careful treatment and isolation of cases, the use of the BCG vaccine, and health education to reduce spread.
GUINEA WORM DISEASE (Dracunculiasis)
In 1986, there were 3.5 million cases of guinea worm disease reported worldwide (only in Africa and Asia). In 2015, thanks mainly to the Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, the number was down to 22 cases; by 2020, only 27 cases were reported, and in 2022, there were 13 cases! If this disease is eradicated shortly, it will be the first parasitic disease to be eradicated, and the first disease eradicated without a vaccine or medicine. Difficulties remain because species other than humans can be infected: domestic dogs and cats, and baboons. The official name of the parasite is dracunculiasis, which means “affliction with little dragons” in Latin. The worms can exit the body anywhere, over a period of weeks, causing great pain. Infected children can have their knees or feet destroyed, so that they can never walk. The disease is eradicated with health education and maintaining the political will. Health education consists of drinking only filtered water, and keeping afflicted individuals out of the water, so that the worms cannot release their larvae into the water.
MUMPS
In 1964 there were roughly 212,000 cases of mumps in the U.S. Now outbreaks of mumps are rare. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective in preventing Mumps, Measles, and Rubella
MEASLES
Deaths from measles have declined globally by 75% since 2000. Measles can affect the immune system, making the victim more susceptible to many other diseases. Vaccinate with MMR vaccine.
RUBELLA
Rubella has officially been declared eradicated from the Americas, but there are still 120,000 babies born with rubella-related birth defects (deafness, blindness, and brain damage) worldwide every year. Vaccinate with MMR vaccine.
POLIO
In 1985, there were 350,000 cases in 125 countries, so Rotary International initiated an eradication program. In 2016 there were only 40 cases of paralysis! Only about 1% of those infected become paralyzed. Now the virus is endemic in only two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan. Volunteers can be used to administer two drops of oral polio vaccine, and to participate in National Immunization Days, where an attempt is made to vaccinate every child under age 5. At this time, it is practical to eradicate polio in Pakistan.
TRACHOMA An eye infection leading to blindness, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, puts millions of people at risk, especially in Africa. The path to eradication is SAFE: Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and hand hygiene, Surgery to deal with the blindness phase; azithromycin, supplied by Pfizer, to treat the infection; facial cleanliness to prevent transmission; and Environmental improvements like clean water to help prevent spread.
CHOLERA
Estimates are that, every year, the cholera vibrio produces 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of the disease, and 21,000 to 143,000 die worldwide. Cholera is treatable and preventable. It could be eradicated with sufficient will, and proper sanitation.
RIVER BLINDNESS
In the Western Hemisphere, The Carter Center has led the fight to eradicate onchocerciasis, or river blindness. Eleven of 13 endemic areas have been cleared. Still remaining are the Yanomami tribe, nomads in Brazil and Venezuela, who are constantly on the rivers where the Black fly that carries the parasite, breeds. Africa has much more of this disease. Eradication is possible with Health education, face netting and Ivermectin.
YAWS
Yaws is a chronic, infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum, an organism similar to that of syphilis. It should have been eradicated by now, because humans are the only hosts and because Penicillin eradicated 95% of cases by 1970, but the collapse of programs and lack of followup permitted it to flare up again. Who re-committed in 2007, and in 2012, it was determined that azithromycin could cure yaws with one oral dose, which spurred the effort. Since we know that vast amounts of money will be saved by completing the eradication, not to mention the alleviation of human suffering, we can say that it is a matter of will that is required to complete the job. We will supply that willpower, and support those willing to finish the job.
ELEPHANTIASIS (LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS)
In 2020, eight hundred and sixty-three (863) million people in 50 countries live where they can be infected by this disease. Sixty-eight million are infected. Prevention is giving an annual dose of medicines to everyone. An effort is on to eradicate it, which would save the cost of distributing 863 million doses of medicine every year! The problem is that, like malaria, the worms are carried by the most dangerous predator known to man, the mosquito! So wearing long pants and long sleeves during the day, and mosquito netting at night, and using repellents on exposed skin surfaces will reduce the risk. Getting rid of mosquitoes in a given area has been done, and can be done again. Treating everyone at the same time could break the cycle of transmission, and the savings from eradication would be enormous. Further study is needed.
CYSTICERCOSIS
2 - 8 million cases estimated of this tapeworm infection worldwide. It can be treated, but prevention is through health education, sanitation and the vaccination of pigs. A program exists to eradicate it.
LEPROSY
Tanzania had 35,000 cases in 1983; they are down to 1600 in 2019. As a result, they have a plan in place to eradicate leprosy by 2025. It is endemic in 14 other countries (India has half of the cases), largely because of the shame of having it, and the social ostracism. When people learn that it is difficult to transmit to family members, they are greatly relieved, and will often submit to treatment. WHO provides the multi-drug therapy free of charge. Health educators are key in the effort. Many are volunteers.
CRIMEAN-CONGO HEMORRHAGIC FEVER
A good candidate for ultimate eradication because of a high case-fatality ratio (10%-40%), this disease sometimes results in hospital and health facility outbreaks, and is difficult to prevent and to treat. Also this disease is endemic in all of Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Asia. For now, outbreaks are dealt with as they occur.
AIDS
AIDS is scheduled for eradication by 2030. We will support that effort.
THE COUNTRY OF TOGO, AFRICA
Togo has become the first country to eliminate four devastating neglected tropical diseases, and has been roundly congratulated by WHO and by other involved organizations. The diseases that have been eradicated are: Guinea Worm Disease (dracunculiasis), Elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis), Sleeping Sickness (human African trypanosomiasis), and Trachoma. The people of Togo and their leaders are heroes.
WORLD GLOBAL HEALTH OBSERVATORY To obtain data on any disease in any country, please Google World Global Health Observatory.
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