Wilson and Jungner criteria for initiating a population screening programme include which of the following as a MANDATORY requirement?

• A The disease must have 100% sensitivity diagnostic test available
• B Disease prevalence must exceed 10% in the target population
• C Accepted treatment or beneficial intervention for the disease must be available ✓
• D Screening must be conducted only by physicians

Explanation

Wilson and Jungner (1968) criteria require that an accepted treatment or beneficial intervention is available for those found to have the disease; screening without effective treatment creates psychological harm with no benefit. Other key criteria include: the disease should be an important health problem with a recognisable latent or early symptomatic stage, the screening test should be acceptable, cheap, and repeatable, facilities for diagnosis and treatment should exist, and the natural history should be adequately understood. A perfect diagnostic test is not required — high sensitivity is preferred but 100% is not mandatory.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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