International evaluation of Indian GWEP

This paper contains notes on an international evaluation (Nov. 1995) of the Indian Guinea Worm Eradication Programme implemented in seven states. The aim of the international team was to assess the implementation of the programme, to validate the disease status in the country, to evaluate the recording and reporting system and to assess the impact of the programme on the guinea worm disease situation in the country. The team sought to recommend measures to be taken to initiate the process of certification of Eradication of Guinea Worm Disease. The constitution of the international team, terms of reference, methodology, and activities to be carried out are included. Appended to this paper is a paper describing WHO criteria and procedures for verifying the absence of dracunculiasis transmission and for certifying its eradication from formerly endemic countries. Standard criteria for certification are needed to ensure international credibility of eradication, to have a formal mechanism for judging the success of eradication programmes, to have effective procedures to identify and eradicate previously unknown foci of transmission, and to help in the investigation of rumoured or sporadic occurrences of the infection in unconfirmed potentially endemic areas. The paper outlines the preparations and strategies for certification at the national and international level, the criteria for certification of eradication, strategies for pre-certification surveillance programmes which involve promoting and monitoring public awareness of dracunculiasis and its eradication, and the steps in the certification process.