**Question:** All of the following are Eradicable diseases EXCEPT-

A. Smallpox
B. Polio
C. Tuberculosis
D. Malaria

**Correct Answer:** D. Malaria

**Core Concept:** Eradicable diseases are those that can be eliminated or completely removed from a specific region or world population through public health measures and targeted interventions.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Malaria is an infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Plasmodium species. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. While malaria has been reduced globally through vector control and antimalarial treatments, it is not currently possible to eliminate it completely from the world population, making it an "irradicable" disease.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. Smallpox (Variola virus) was eradicated worldwide through a global vaccination campaign initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1967 and declared eradicated in 1980.

B. Polio (Infectious disease caused by poliovirus) was eradicated in the Americas in 1959, in the Western Pacific region in 1982, and in the Eastern Mediterranean region in 1994. In 1988, the World Health Assembly declared global eradication of polio as a public health priority. Polio is considered eradicated in the majority of the world's population, making it an "irradicable" disease.

C. Tuberculosis (Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis) is an infectious disease that affects the lungs but can be treated and cured with a combination of antibiotics. While tuberculosis has been reduced significantly globally, eradication is still a significant challenge due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains and the complex nature of the disease transmission.

**Clinical Pearl:** Malaria is a complex disease with a high mortality rate, particularly in children under five years old and pregnant women. Effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are essential to control and reduce malaria burden, but eradication is not currently possible. Understanding the disease, its transmission, and control measures is crucial for healthcare professionals managing patients affected by the disease and contributing to global health initiatives.