[Special program for research and training in tropical diseases].

A description of the six tropical diseases involved in this programme and the achievement of research goals are evaluated. The author points out the important accomplishment of these aims in the impact in the malaria and filiariasis control, in the elimination of leprosy and the future eradication of Chagas disease in the Americas. At the same time the relevance of the manpower training were emphasized in the strengthening on the research infrastructure of the member countries.