The second priority is to regain control of old diseases that re-emerged as new problems, such as tuberculosis, dengue and malaria. WHO proposed eliminating the source of infection from communities, strengthening surveillance and boosting research into treatment and diagnosis. Also included in this category is improving vaccines for measles, neonatal tetanus, bacterial meningitis and tuberculosis. Tackling emerging diseases Tackling newly emerging diseases is the third priority. The strategy includes a quick response to outbreaks while researching the natural course, treatment and prevention of new diseases.
Obstacles remain, however, the foremost of which is poverty, according to the WHO report.
More than 1 billion people live in extreme poverty, according to the report, and half of the world's population has no regular access to essential drugs. International travel, trade and tourism open the world to infectious agents. Your turn You can express your views on this article, or other relevant themes, in the Infectious Diseases in Children Specialty Forums. Revised 3 July 1996.