Only a few diseases have been completely eradicated, meaning they are no longer present anywhere in the world. This is a significant achievement in public health.
Completely Eradicated Diseases
- Smallpox: This devastating viral disease was eradicated globally through a concerted worldwide vaccination campaign, officially declared eradicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1980. [Source: Our World in Data, Wikipedia]
- Rinderpest: This highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle and other ruminants was eradicated globally in 2011. [Source: Our World in Data, Wikipedia]
Diseases with Cures (But Not Eradicated)
Many diseases are considered "curable" meaning that with appropriate treatment, the disease can be eliminated from the body. However, this does not mean the disease is eradicated globally; new cases can still arise. Examples include:
- Hepatitis C: Direct-acting antiviral medicines (DAAs) can cure over 95% of people with Hepatitis C. [Source: WHO]
- Leprosy (Hansen's disease): This bacterial infection is curable with multi-drug therapy. [Source: CDC]
- Several Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia are curable with antibiotics, although reinfection is possible. [Source: WHO]
It's important to note that while some diseases are curable, access to diagnosis and treatment varies significantly across the globe, limiting the impact of available cures. Many other diseases are treatable, meaning their symptoms can be managed and their progression slowed, but a complete cure is not yet available.
