Can disease be eliminated worldwide?
An analysis of what it would take to eradicate certain infectious diseases on a global scale
About
Eradication
While the eradication of disease worldwide sounds like an compelling goal, the reality is that the goal of eradication is not feasible for most infectious diseases. There is only one disease that has been eradicated – smallpox (1). This was in part to the widespread distribution of an effective vaccine. But in most cases a vaccine may not be available, or people may not be willing to receive a vaccine if one is available. Furthermore, factors such as distribution, cost, and effectiveness of treatment must also be considered.
In cases of diseases like Malaria it is much more feasible to eliminate the disease from certain geographic locations instead of eradicating it worldwide (2).
Below is an examination of how Malaria, Cholera, and Tuberculosis could be eliminated/eradicated globally and a breakdown of what measures would have to be taken, what supplies and resources would be needed, and an analysis of the costs/benefits of an active fight against the diseases.
01.
This is a disease caused by a parasite that can infect mosquitos and then be transmitted to humans. An infected person can experience a high fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Around 200 million cases of Malaria are reported each year and around 400,000 people die from the disease annually (3).
02.
This is a disease that causes extreme dehydration and diarrhea. Cholera is present in 47 countries worldwide and afflicts around 2 million people each year, resulting in nearly a 100,000 deaths annually. Cholera can be transmitted when there is an absence of clean water supplies, and access to clean sanitation facilities. Because of these factors most cases occur in pre-developed, low socioeconomic countries and communities (6, 7).
03.
This disease is caused by a bacteria that attacks the lungs. This can cause chest pain, a prolonged cough and trouble breathing (11). Annually around 10 million people contract Tuberculosis (TB) and in 2019, 1.4 million people died from the disease. One goal of the United Nations is to end TB incidents by 2030 (12).