The researchers hope there will be similar projects elsewhere

According to a new study published in British medical the Lancet the routine immunisation of Gambian children has stopped the spread of Hib disease.

Experts say Hib disease kills over half a million people worldwide each year.

There are hopes The Gambia's success could be repeated in other developing countries, where Hib disease is common.

Sub-Saharan hope

The study's author said it was remarkable that the disease was eradicated even though the doses were often given late, and almost a third of children did not receive the full course of vaccine.

He said this showed the findings were particularly relevant to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Hib is the term commonly used to describe a disease caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b.

As well as meningitis, it can cause infection in joints, pneumonia and epiglottitis (swelling of part of the windpipe causing noisy, painful breathing and even blockage of the airway).

Funding concern

The World Health Organization estimates that about three million children are infected with Hib each year, causing both death and disability.

In this study children in western Gambia were immunised against the disease and after just five years, despite sometimes erratic vaccine availability, the disease has completely disappeared.

BBC health reporter Ania Lichtarowicz says that the vaccination programme is continuing thanks to funding from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi).

But our correspondent says money runs out in 2007 and the programme will stop unless the government steps in.