The race against polio
Although considerable progress has been made towards the complete eradication of polio by the year 2000, the fact remains that polio cannot be eliminated anywhere unless it is eliminated everywhere. Of the 213 countries under surveillence, 145 reported zero cases in 1993. There is no doubt that polio can become the second major disease to be banished from the face of earth, following smallpox. Eradication also makes obvious economic sense. The US alone will save twice the amount it spends every year in external aid. In the last five years of eradication programme it is estimated to have given around $130 million. Savings for the developing countries will also be significant. Once eradication is achieved, resources can be used to fight other threats to human health.