Infectious Diseases: Soundness of World Health Organization Estimates for Eradication or Elimination

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the World Health Organization's (WHO) efforts to eradicate seven infectious diseases--dracun culiasis, polio, leprosy, measles, onchocerciasis, Chagas' disease, and lymphatic filariasis--worldwide, focusing on: (1) the cost and timeframe estimates developed by WHO for eradicating or eliminating these diseases; (2) U.S. spending related to the seven diseases in fiscal year 1997 and any potential cost savings to the United States as a result of eradication or elimination; (3) other diseases that international health experts believe pose a risk to Americans and could be candidates for eradication; and (4) historical information on U.S. costs and savings from smallpox eradication and whether experts view smallpox eradication as a model for other diseases.