Feasibility of eradicating yaws

Abstract

The elimination of yaws from large geographic areas provides evidence that global elimination of person-to-person yaws transmission is feasible. The failure to reach that goal to date is the result of managerial rather than technical deficiencies. If the eradication of yaws can be accomplished, it should be done to reduce the suffering that is associated with the disease. In addition, a positive benefit-cost ratio is likely to be realized within a period of decades, and in areas endemic for yaws, its elimination could well provide a basis for the development of a strong system of primary health care. The decision to eliminate yaws must be made deliberately by the World Health Assembly with full knowledge of the implication of not making such a decision. A positive decision would result in enriched lives for countless potential victims of yaws and save the world money in the long term.