Supporting endemic countries to implement yaws eradication strategy

In 2012, WHO developed the yaws eradication strategy “Morges strategy” based on the use of oral azithromycin. The strategy has been updated in the programme managers guide published in 2018. WHO provides technical and logistical support (rapid tests and azithromycin) to endemic countries to implement this strategy along the following phases:

1. Planning phase which includes mapping of endemic communities
2. Total Community Treatment (mass treatment of affected communities)
3. Post mass treatment active village-based surveillance
4. Monitoring of azithromycin resistance
5. Post-zero cases and sero-surveillance for 3 years before certification

Report of a global meeting on yaws eradication surveillance, monitoring and evaluation Geneva, 29–30 January 2018, Geneva Switzerland provide additional guidance to national yaws eradication programmes.