Educational programs are also available. The rates of primary and secondary syphilis have dramatically declined in the USA since the 1980s. The CDC believes there is a window of opportunity to eliminate syphilis. The rates in fact are so low and geographically focussed that there is a unique chance to eradicate the disease. A National Plan for Syphilis Elimination has been developed and is targeting 33 states and cities with relatively high rates of the disease.
Pharmaceutical companies pledge vaccines for developing countries.
The 4 companies are Merck, American Home Products, SmithKline Beecham and Aventis Pharma. Merck announced it will give 5 million doses of its hepatitis B vaccine over the next 5 years. American Home Products will donate 10 million doses of its Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine. SmithKline will do pediatric trials of its malaria vaccine in Africa and 5 billion doses of albendazole to eradicate lymphatic filariasis. Aventis promised to donate 50 million doses of its polio vaccine for Africa.