Independent appraisal of Guineaworm Eradication Programme
Basu, R.N.; Kaul, S.M.
Journal of Communicable Diseases 17(2): 131-139
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5138 PMID: 2934468 Document Number: 244439
The results of an evaluation of the Guineaworm Eradication Programme in India in January 1985 by independent teams of public health personnel and engineers are presented. The disease caused by the nematode Dracunculus medinensis was endemic in 9283 villages in 6 states: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Active cases were detected in 611 villages for the first time in 1984, but had not been seen in 3557 villages during 1982-84. Tamil Nadu has been free of the disease during this time. The use of temephos to control the vector [Cyclops sp.] was interrupted by non-availability of the pesticide. Progress in the provision of safe water supplies to affected villages was made.