The various programmes implemented have helped to eradicate a number of serious problems which were major vectors of disease, disability and death in children, such as malaria (in 1979), bilharzia (in 1983 84) and trachoma.

These infections are known as the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). They are unfamiliar to the developed world, and their names are often difficult to pronounce filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis (bilharzia), and others, particularly intestinal worms.

The good news is that NTDs can be treated, as quality drugs donated by the major pharmaceutical companies are made available. These drug donations for river blindness, trachoma (another blinding disease), leprosy, elephantiasis, worms, and bilharzia, as well as for sleeping sickness, give hope to millions.

320. As part of the development of national programmes for preventing, treating and combating epidemic, endemic and other diseases classified as priorities, such as the diseases targeted by the National Vaccination Programme, as well as leishmaniasis, hydatidosis, malaria and bilharzia, legislation was promulgated in 1992 to consolidate the efforts made in these areas (Act No. 92 71 of 27 July 1992 on transmissible diseases).