Eradicating Yaws from India: A Summary

Yaws disease was first reported in India during early 1900s. Subsequently, the disease was reported from several other parts of the country. 1950s world-wide anti- yaws campaign reduced its incidence to a negligible level in India. But, it resurged. National Yaws Eradication Programme was launched in 1996. It achieved elimination goal in 2006. Since 2003, no new yaws case has been reported. Extensive sero- survey proved cessation of its transmission in the community, thereby implying that, India has eradicated yaws disease from its soil. This communication describes the efforts taken by the country to achieve yaws eradication