Scientists have been unable to determine the exact cause of death as of yet, but suspect that pollution resulting from the region's industrialisation may be a major factor. In 1997, only a single seal was detected with the disease that has in the last three months killed tens of thousands. Efforts to reduce malaria cases in Azerbaijan have had unprecedented success, with reports showing an eighty per cent fall in the number of sufferers. The results achieved by the international program, managed by the World Health Organisation and including a number of international agencies, are the best yet in an anti-malaria programme. The next challenge is to maintain the results.
Malaria is a world-wide problem.
The Azeri success provides valuable lessons for regional neighbours, and a conference will be held with the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The results are not, however, directly useful for Africa, where the disease is carried by a different type of mosquito.