Control Strategies, Major Challenges, and Research Needs for Each Disease| Disease | Principal control strategy | Major problems and challenges | Major research needs |
| Chagas disease | Interruption of transmission through domestic vector control and improved blood transfusion | Control of nondomiciliated vectorsSFTRETSustained vector controlSFTRETMillions of those infected still at risk of disease | Strategies for surveillance of nondomiciliated vectorsSFTRETBetter drugs and diagnostics |
| LF | Interruption of transmission through periodic mass treatmentSFTRETDisability alleviation by local hygiene measures | Need for high treatment coverageSFTRETUnknowns in elimination strategySFTRETLimited effect of current drugs | Strategies for high treatment coverageSFTRETEvidence base for elimination strategiesSFTRETDrug that kills or sterilizes adult worms |
| Onchocerciasis | Periodic mass treatment to eliminate the disease as a public health problem | Need to sustain high coverage for decadesSFTRETRisk of ivermectin resistanceSFTRETEradication not possible with current tools | Strategies for sustained high treatment coverageSFTRETFeasibility of elimination with ivermectinSFTRETDrug that kills or sterilizes adult worms |
| Leprosy | Case finding and multidrug treatmentSFTRETRehabilitation and prevention of disability | Incomplete MDT coverageSFTRETNeed to integrate and sustain controlSFTRETImpact on transmission not known | Integration and sustainability of controlSFTRETImproved diagnosis of infectionSFTRETPrevention and management of nerve damage |
Source: Remme and others 2002.
