Recently, The Hindu published an article titled "Eliminating Diseases, One Region at a Time," by Mr. Rajeev Sadanandan, Chief Executive Officer, Health Systems Transformation Platform. This article served as a wake-up call, highlighting the necessity of robust surveillance systems, investment in infrastructure, workforce training, and capable of identifying every occurrence of diseases. It emphasized the importance of continued vigilance even after elimination to prevent the re-emergence of diseases.

The article underscores the remarkable progress in disease elimination, notably the imminent eradication of guinea worm disease. It elaborates on the strides made towards disease elimination, particularly in combating guinea worm disease, stressing the necessity of a methodical approach, robust surveillance, and regional tactics to accomplish this objective. Emphasizing the distinction between elimination and eradication, it clarifies that elimination aims to halt transmission within specific regions, fostering public health improvements and engendering political and administrative commitment, whereas eradication signifies the permanent cessation of the disease with no possibility of resurgence.

However, disease elimination poses significant challenges, requiring rigorous surveillance, diagnostics, and healthcare infrastructure. It is resource-intensive and could potentially divert attention from other health priorities, particularly in weaker health systems. Therefore, careful analysis of costs and benefits, along with informed political support, is essential before embarking on elimination efforts.

While nationwide elimination may be challenging within the designated time frame, it is feasible for certain diseases in specific regions. The article highlights India’s efforts in disease elimination citing examples such as kala-azar and lymphatic filariasis. It emphasizes the importance of localized and phased strategies and suggests that elimination efforts can be more effectively managed at the regional level, encouraging multisectoral collaboration, innovation, and resource allocation, better management of the workload without compromising other essential tasks. However, it underscores the role of national and state governments in owning the process and coordinating regional efforts to culminate in national elimination.

In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of a systematic and regionally tailored approach, supported by careful planning, strong surveillance systems, multisectoral collaboration, political commitment, resource allocation, and regular monitoring to ensure sustainability while eliminating targeted diseases.

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https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/eliminating-diseases-one-region-at-a-time/article67973191.ece