The other challenge is in the tantalising thought that the same success may well be repeatable - to help control major killers like TB, pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria.

BBC: India's battle to finish off polio

In the villages, the volunteers provide preventive services such as prenatal checkups and general exams, but most of their time is spent treating a wide range of ailments like malaria, TB, pneumonia, diarrhea, animal or snake bites, and parasites.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Griffey first diagnosed pneumonia, but his thoughts turned to TB when a follow-up X-ray showed a dense spot on her lung.

WSJ: TB's Global Resurgence Amplifies U.S. Risk