Campaigns for the eradication of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito vector responsible for spreading dengue and yellow fever, enjoyed great success during the forties and fifties. Between 1948 and 1962, A. aegypti disappeared from 21 countries in the Region of the Americas, but lack of sustainability of the programs resulted in the gradual reinfestation of practically all countries. In an effort to combat the situation, in 1995 PAHO began to help its Member States with the creation of an expert panel charged with drawing up a continental plan of action for eradicating A. aegypti from all countries. The Continental Plan for expanding and intensigying the war against Aedes aegypti was drawn up in Caracas, Venezuela, in April of 1997, in accordance with the objectives previously established by the countries. The plan's success will depend on having all countries commit themselves to putting it into effect and to providing the national funds that are needed for its full implementation