Unprecedented progress against 17 neglected tropical diseases has been made due to new global strategy and regular supply of quality assured, cost-effective medicines, said a report released Wednesday here by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The report, Sustaining the drive to overcome the global impact of neglected tropical diseases, says two diseases are targeted for global eradication, dracunculiasis in 2015 and yaws in 2020.

It outlines six targets set for the elimination of five diseases in 2015 and a further 10 targets for nine diseases for 2020.

Over the next five years, WHO projects that treatment for schistosomiasis will reach 235 million people.

"With this new phase in the control of these diseases, we are moving ahead towards achieving universal health coverage with essential interventions," says Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General.

The report also analyzes some challenges that remain at country level, emphasizing the need for national disease control programs to improve coordination and integration.

The 17 neglected tropical diseases includes Dengue, Rabies, Trachoma, Buruli ulcer, Endemic treponematoses (includes yaws), Leprosy and so on, with which about one billion people are infected every year worldwide.

 Source: Xinhuanet