Bilan et avenir de la lutte contre les grandes endémies en Afrique occidentale francophone

Fighting epidemic diseases in French-speaking West Africa: assessment and perspectives.- A short history of the fight against widespread endemic diseases from the pioncer efforts of Dr. Jamot against sleeping-sickness to the creation, in 1960, of the international OCCGE (Organization for Coordination and Cooperation against Endemic Diseases). The methods devised since the early thirties to check the spread of trypanosomiasis and leprosy (especially the mobile teams operating in the countryside) have been extended to other endemic diseases: malaria, river-blindness, ancylostomiasis, etc. The present trend, implemented by the national health services as well as by the World Health Organization, is oriented toward an enlarged vaccination program and the development of primary care systems.