[Campaign to eradicate yaws on Santo Island, Vanuatu in 2001]

Abstract

At the beginning of the 1960s a campaign was carried out to eradicate endemic trepanematosis in the South Pacific. During the year 2000, twenty cases of yaws were diagnosed on Santo Island in Vanuatu. Recrudescence of this disease was confirmed by a seroprevalence testing showing 20.9% positive VDRL in 273 serum tests. In view of these findings, the Health Minister in collaboration with the WHO office in Vanuatu undertook mass benzathine-benzylpenicilline treatment in the population of the Santo and Malo (SANMA) province. The objective was to treat at least 85% of the population. Treatment was administered to 36,414 of the 39,397 inhabitants identified in 587 villages during the campaign, i.e., 92.4%. Coverage varied from 87.6 to 97.3% depending on the zone. Positive VDRL was obtained in 96 of the 230 serum samples collected for suspicion of yaws. All documented cases of yaws were found in the southeastern part of the island. Treatment had a dramatic effect on lesions within 24 hours. Cooperation of the population and involvement of mobile units and primary health-care providers were key factors in the success of this campaign. Further action will include training of health care workers and improvement of sanitary conditions in villages. Seroprevalence testing to assess the effectiveness of this campaign is to be carried out in 2003.