Eradicating Yaws

A Regional Priority…

Yaws, an infection caused by Treponema pertenue, is a significant public health problem in three countries of the South-East Asia Region.

Yaws is a disease of poverty predominantly affecting marginalized population groups. It is aptly said “Where the road ends, yaws begins”.

Of three countries (India, Indonesia and Timor Leste) endemic for Yaws in SEA Region, India has already declared elimination of yaws in 2006 and is aiming at its eradication.

Out of the remaining two endemic countries, Indonesia reports Yaws from 18 of the 33 provinces. Due to active case finding, more cases and their contacts are detected and treated in Indonesia. The yaws elimination programme in Indonesia is in place and the country is striving to eradicate Yaws by 2013.

Early Yaws-Ulcerpapillomateous lesions on the leg

Late yaws - Gangosa

An Achievable Goal…

After smallpox and guinea worm diseases, yaws is considered to be a good candidate for eradication from the Region.

Yaws eradication is an achievable goal in view of the ailability of a safe and cost-effective intervention – a single injection of long acting Benzathine Penicillin (Penicillin G Aluminium Monostearate or PAM).

The Region is aiming at eradication of yaws soon.