The last mile: towards elimination of major infectious diseases

Description

In this course, we will provide an overview of the current epidemiological situations of the 'big three' infectious diseases (HIV infections, malaria, and tuberculosis), along with polio, measles, and hepatitis C. We will address the most crucial challenges for controlling these diseases both in terms of research and development needs, as well as regarding public health strategic options. In parallel, we will show how some historical pandemic diseases are now in reach of elimination. Among neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), rabies, filariases and human African trypanosomiases have been progressing, yet with different dynamics and levels of sustainability, towards control or elimination. Between success stories and apparently insuperable obstacles, worldwide specialists and field experts will illustrate the socio-cultural, economical, and biological parameters that hamper our fight towards elimination of major infectious diseases. Will the last mile be the last one?