[Tuberculosis control strategy in Asia for the 21st century--tuberculosis control in the Western Pacific Region of World Health Organization].

The unprecedented and rapid changes at the global level posed a big challenge to public health. The tuberculosis disease as one of major health problems today should be viewed from this context. These global challenges include 1) population issue particularly on growth and ageing; 2) epidemiological issue such as health transition; and, 3) social and environmental issues such as rapid urbanization and global warming. Furthermore, we should also take into account other changes such as the role of the government in the health service delivery, clinical or cure-oriented approach to prevention, increasing consumer demand and health financing. The burden of tuberculosis is devastating. Everyday in the Western Pacific Region (WPR), about 1000 people lose their life due to tuberculosis. Most of them are between the ages 14-54, which are the so-called economically productive age group. The economic impact, therefore, is significant. In addition TB is a disease of poverty of which the risk of getting TB is higher in poor who have less access to TB services due to financial barrier and lack of knowledge. Despite this devastating situation, TB has a significant and cost effective tool called DOTS. WPRO put highest priority in TB control programme not only because of the facts mentioned above but I also consider TB as an agenda carried over from the last century. I would like, then, to commit myself to this cause for the betterment of the future of the next generation.