Meeting of partners on tropical diseases targeted for elimination/eradication

Abstract

Description: The meeting discussed four tropical diseases targeted for elimination/eradication, namely, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, leishmaniasis(‎kala-azar)‎ and yaws and also soil-transmitted helminthiasis(‎intestinal parasites)‎ which are targeted for intensified control. The five diseases are major public health problems in the South-East Asia Region and are considered regional priorities. The objectives of the meeting included review of the current situation and strategies and to identify and discuss the role of partners in joint efforts towards elimination/eradication of the targeted diseases. There were 39 participants from 22 agencies which included health policy-makers, national/ international development agencies, NGOs, private sector and WHO. The publication includes a summary of the technical overview on each of the targeted diseases, statements by partner agencies, two special presentations, one on the "Role of Industry in Health" and the other on "Human Rights and Health." The meeting culminated in the adoption of the "Bangalore Declaration" which calls upon Member States and development partners to accord high priority and adequate resources to these diseases.