WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR. THE WESTERN PACIFIC BUREAU R~GIONAL OU PACIFIQUE OCCIDENTAL
•
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTE
REGIONAL COMMITTEE
WPR/RC36/3
27 June 1985 Thirty-sixth session Manila __ 16-20 September 1985 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
Provisional agenda item 9
SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR RESEARCH AND TRAINING IN TROPICAL DISEASES: MEMBERSHIP OF THE JOINT COORDINATING BOARD
Report by the Regional Director
Malaysia and the Republic of Korea are currently the two Member States of the Region whose representatives serve as members of the Joint Coordinating Board, in accordance with section 2.2.2 of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Administrative and Technical Structures of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases. The three-year period of tenure of the representative designated by the Republic of Korea ends on 31 December 1985. At its thirty-sixth session, the Regional Committee must decide which . Member State will send a representative to the Joint Coordinating Board for the three- year period commencing I January 1986. The attention of Member States is also drawn to the last paragraph of the present document regarding the possibility of Cooperating Parties in the Special Programme: (1) being designated as members by the Joint Coordinating Board itself under section 2.2.3 of the . Memorandum of Understanding; and (2} being able to send representatives to attend meetings of the Joint Coordinating Board as observers under the last paragraph of section 2.2. of the Memorandum of Understanding.
WPR/RC36/3 page 2
A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Administrative and Technical Structures of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases is attached. It provides for the establishment of a Joint Coordinating Board to coordinate the interests and responsibilities of aU parties cooperating in the Special Programme. The composition of the Joint Coordinating Board is described in section 2.2 of the Memorandum of Understanding. Each Regional Committee of the World Health Organization is responsible for selecting two government representatives to serve on the Board (see section 2.2.2 of the Memorandum of Understanding). At its twenty-ninth session, the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific selected the Philippines and Malaysia as the two Member States whose representatives would be members of the Joint Coordinating Board: the Philippines for a period of two years up to 31 December 1979 and Malaysia for a period of three years up to 31 December 1980, both commencing on 1 January 1978. I The initial duration of tenure was different for each country, to allow for continuity. At its thirtieth session, in 1979, the Regional Committee decided to reappoint the Government of the Philippines for a period of three years from 1 January 1980, that is, up to 31 December 1982, since its first period of tenure had been relatively short and its representative had had little chance to contribute to the work of the Board.2 At its thirty-first session, in 1980, the period of tenure of the representative of the Government of Malaysia being due to expire on 31 December 1980, the Regional Committee appointed the Government of the People's Republic of China to send a representative to meetings of the Joint Coordinating Board for a period of three years from 1 January 1981 to 31 December 1983.3 At its thirty-third session, in 1982, the RegionaJ Committee selected the Government of the Republic of Korea to succeed the Government of the Philippines in designating a representative for a period of three years from 1 January 1983 to 31 December 1985.4
lsee resolution WPR/RC29.RJ1. Handbook of Resolutions and Decisions of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, Vol. II, 4th ed., 1984, page 95. 2see resolution WPR/RC30.R5. Handbook of Resolutions and Decisions of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, Vol. II, 4th ed., 1984, page 96. 3see resolution WPR/RC3l.R8. Handbook of Resolutions and Decisions of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, Vol. II, 4th ed., 1984, page 96. 4see resolution WPR/RC33.R12. Handbook of Resolutions and Decisions of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, Vol. II, 4th ed., 1984, page 96.
WPR/RC36/3 page 3/4
At its thirty-fourth session, in 1983, the period of tenure of the representative the Government of the People's Republic of China being due to expire . 31 December 1983, the Regional Committee selected the Government of Malaysia send a representative to meetings of the Joint . Coordinating Board for a period three years from 1 January 1984 to 31 December 1986.1
of on to of
The period of tenure of the representative designated by the Government of the Republic of Korea wilJ end on 31 December 1985. At its thirty-sixth session, the Regionai Committee must decide which Member State will send a representative to the Joint Coordinating Board for a three-year period commencing 1 January 1986. The Committee's attention is also drawn to the following paragraphs of section 2.2 of the Memorandum of Understanding: (1)
sec·tion 2.2.3, which indicates that three members, in addition to the members selected by the regional committees and those appointed under section 2~2.1, may be designated by the Board itself from among the remaihing Coopera-ting Parties (see section 1.2 of the MeMorandum of Understanding); the Jast paragraph, which indicates that governments and organizations
(2)
whiCh are Cooperating Parties in the Special Programme and have not been selected for membership of the Board, may attendits meetings as observers (at their own expense), subject to its prior apProval. The Regional Director advises Member States by letter each year of the dates by which the name of any government interested in being designated as a member under section 2.2.3 or attending the Board's rneeting as an observer should be communicated to the Special Programme Coordinator, WHO, Geneva. The letter relating to the 1985 meeting of the Board, to be held on 26 and 27 June 1985, was dispatched in early April 1985. Requests for designation as a member of the Board were to be received by 26 April 1985 and requests to attend the meeting as an observer were to be received by H June 1985. The exact dates and place of the 1986 meet¥lg of the Board, when confirmed, will be conveyed to Member States in the usuaJ letter.
lSee resolution WPR/RC34.R6. Handbook of Resolutions and Decisions of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, Vol. II, 4th ed., !9~4, page 97.
WPRfRC36/3
page 5 ANNEX 1
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL STRUCTURES OF THE SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR RESEARCH AND TRAINING IN TROPICAL DISEASES
This Memorandum of Understanding describes the functions, composition and operation of the Joint Coordinating Board, the Standing Committee and the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (hereinafter called the Special Programme). The Special Programme is structured on the basis of co-sponsorship by the United Nations Development Programme (hereinafter called UNOP), and the World Bank (hereinafter caUed the Bank) and the World Health Organization (hereinafter called WHO), and operates within a broad framework of intergovernmental/inter-agency cooperation and participation. The governments and organizations which met in Geneva on 1 and 2 February 1978 and whose names are listed in Appendix 1 hereto, have endorsed the Administrative and Technical Structures of the Special Programme as set forth below. A summary of the scientific and technical basis of the Special Programme is attached as Appendix 2 hereto. 1. DEFINITIONS
1. 1 The SpecjaJ Programme is a global programme of international technical cooperation initiated by WHO and co-sponsored by UNDP and the Bank, with the twointerdependent objectivesof developing improved tools for the control of tropical diseases and strengthening the research capability of affected countries themselves. 1.2 Coo~rating
Parties are:
1.2.1
those governments contributing to Special Programme Resources; those governments providing technical and/or scientific support to the Special Programme; and those governments whose countries are direc~y affected by the diseases dealt with by the Special Programme; those intergovernmental and other non-profit-making organizations contributing to Special Programme Resources or providing technical and/or scientific support to the Special Programme.
1.2.2
WPR/RC36/3 Annex 1 page 6
1• .3
The Executing Agenci: is WHO.
I .4 Special Programme Resources are the financial resources made available to the Special Programme by governments and organizations, through the Tropical Diseases Research Fund, an internatlonal fund administered by the Bank, the WHO Voluntary Fund for Health Promotion and other agency funds. 2. 2.1 THE JOINT COORDINATING BOARD (JCB)
Ftmetions
The JCB shall, for the purpose of coordinating the interests and responsibilities of the parties cooperating in the Special Programme, have the following functions: 2.1.1 Review and decide upon the planning and execution of the Special Programme. For this purpose it will keep itself informed of aU aspects of the development of the Special Programme, and consider reports and recommendations submitted to it by the Standing Committee, the Executing Agency, and the Scientific and technical Advisory Committee (STAC). Approve the proposed plan of action and budget for the coming financial period, prepared by the Executing Agency and reviewed by the Standing Committee. Review the proposals of the Standing Committee and approve arrangements for the financing of the Special Programme in that period. Review proposed longer-term plans of action and their financial implications. Review the annual financial statements submitted by the Executing Agency, as well as the audit report thereon, submitted by the External AuditC)r of the Executing Agency. Review periodic reports which evaluate th~ progress of the Special Programme towards the achievement of its objectives. Endorse the proposals of the Executing Agency and the Standing Committee for STAC membership. Consider such other matters relating to the Special Programme as may be referred to it by any Cooperating Party.
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6 2.1.7 2.1 .8
WPRjRC36/3 Annex 1 page 7
2.2
Composition
The JCB shall consist of 30 members from among the Cooperating Parties as foHows: 2.2.1 2.2.2
Twelve government representatives selected contributors to the Special Programme Resources.
by
the
Twelve government representatives selected by the WHO Regional Committees from among those countries directly affected by the diseases dealt with by the Special Programme, or from among those providing technical or scientific support to the Special Programme. Three members, designated by the JCB itself, from among the remaining Cooperating Parties. The three Agencies which comprise the Standing Committee.
2.2.3 2.2.4
Members of the JCB shall serve for a period of three years and may be reappointed. · Other Cooperating Parties may, at their request, be represented as observers upon approval by the JCB. 2.3 Operation 2.3.1 The JCB shall meet in annual session, and in extraordinary session if required, and with the agreement of the majority of its members. The JCB shaH elect each year from among its members, a Chairman who shalh convene and preside over meetings of the JCB; and undertake such additional duties as may be assigned to him by the JCB. . 2.3.3
2.3.2
The Executing Agency shall provide the Secretariat and arrange for supporting services and facilities as may be required by the JCB. Subject to such other special arrangements as may ~e decided upon by the JCB, members ot the JCB shall make their own arrangements to cover the expenses incurred in attending sessions of the JCB. Observers shall attend meetings of the JCB at their own expense. Other expenses of the 'JCB ~hall be borne by the Special Programme Resources.
2.3.4
WPRJRC36/3 Annex l page 8
3. 3.1
THE STANDING COMMITTEE Composition and Functions
The Standing Committee shall be comprised of the co-sponsors, namely the UNDP, the Bank and WHO. It shall have the following functions:
3.1.1
Review the plan of action and budget for the coming financial period, as prepared by the Executing Agency, in time for presentation to the JCB not less than forty-five days before the JCB's annual session. Make proposals to the JCB for the financing of the Special Programme for the coming financial period • Approve re-allocation of resources between Programme areas and Scientific Working Groups of the Special Progr~me during a financial period, upon the recommendation of STAC and the executing Agency, and report such reallocations to the JCB. Examine the reports submitted to the Executing Agency by the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) and. the Executing Agency's comments; make the necessary observations thereon, and transmit these, with comments as appropriate, to the JCB. Review particular aspects of the Special Programme, including those which may be referred to it by the JCB, and. present findings and recommendations in the form of reports to the JCB • Inform the JCB, as required, regarding Special Programme matters of interest to the JCB.
3.1.2 .3.1.3
3.1.4
3.1.5
.3.1.6
3.2
Op!ration 3. 2.1 The Standing Committee shaH usually me-et at least twice a year; once at the time of the JCB meeting, and additionally between sessions of the JCB. The Executing Agency shall arrange for supporting services and facilities as may be required by the Standing Committee• Members of the Standing Committee shall make their own arrangements to cover the expenses incurred in attending sessions of the Standing Committee.
3.2.2 .3.2•.3
WPRfRC36/3 Annex l page9
4.
THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (STAC) Functions The STAC shall have the following functions: 4.1.1
4.1
Review, from a scientific and technical standpoint, the content, scope and dimensions of the Special Programme, including the diseases covered and approaches to be adopted. Recommend priorities within the Special Programme, including the establishment and disestablishment of Scientific Working Groups, and all scientific and technical activities related to the Programme. Provide the JCB and the Executing Agency with a continuous independent evaluation of the scientific and technical aspects of all activities of the Special Programme.
4.1.2
4.1.3
For these purposes the STAC may propose and present for consideration such technical doCuments and recommendations as it may deem appropriate. 4.2
Composition
The STAC shall be comprised of J 5-18 scientists and other technical personnel who will serve in their personal capacities to represent the broad range of biomedical and other discipJlnes required for Special Programme activities. Members of STAC, including the Chairman, w~U be selected on the basis of scientific of technical competence by the Executing Agency, in consultation with the Standing Committee and with the endorsement of the JCB. · 4.2.1
Members of the STAC, including the Chairman, shall appointed to serve for a period of three years, and will eligible for further reappointment. To maintain continuity membership, the expiration of the initial terms of office members of STAC will be staggered.
be be of
of
4.3
Operation 4.3.1 4•.3.2
The STAC shall meet at least once each year. The Executing Agency shaH provide the Secretariat to 5 TA C including sustained scientific, technical and administrative support.
WPR/RC36/3 Annex J page J0
4.3.3 4. 3. 4
Costs of the STAC shall be borne by the Special Programme Resources. The S T AC shaH prepare an annual report on the basis of a futJ review of all technical and scientific aspects of the Special Programme. This report, containing its findings and recommendations, shall be submitted to the Executing Agency and to the Standing Committee. The Executing Agency shall submit its comments on the report to the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee shaH then transmit the report, including the comments of the Executing Agency, together with its own observations and recommendations, to the JCB, not less than forty-five days before the JCB's annual session. The Chairman of the STAC, or in his absence a member of the STAC deputized to act for him, shall attend all sessions of the JCB.
5.
THE EXECUTING AGENCY
The Director-General of WHO, after such consultations as he may deem appropriate, shall appoint the Special Programme. Coordinator and the Special Programme Director and appoint or assign all other personnel to the Special Programme as specified in the plans of work. Drawing as required upon the administrative resources of WHO and in cooperation with the co-sponsors of the Special Programme, the Coordinator wHl be responsible for the overall management of the Special Programme. Under the authority of the Special Programme Coordinator and drawing to the full upon the scientific and technical resources of WHO, the Director of the Special Programme shall be responsible for the overall scientific and technical develiopment and operation of the Special Programme including the plan of action and budget. 6. TRANSITIONAL PROVISION
The Cooperating Parties attending the preliminary meeting of the Special Programme together with the Sponsoring Agencies have, as an interim measure, carried out the functions of the J'CB pending its definitive establishment pursuant to paragraph 2.2 hereof.
WPR/RC36/3 page 11 APPENDIX I
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
ARGENTINA Dr OHndo MARTINO, Adviser in Epidemiology and Pathology, Secretariat of
State Public Health Area Office, Buenos Aires AUSTRALIA Dr R. CUMMING, Assistant Director-General, International Health Branch, Department of Health, Canberra Ms Helen FREEMAN, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Australia to the
United Nations Office at Geneva AUSTRIA Dr Othmar LAURENCIC, Director, Epidemiological Department, Federal Mirustry of Health and Environmental Protection, Vienna BELGIUM Madame S. VER VALCKE, Directeur d'Administration, Administration de Ia Cooperation au Developpement, Bruxelles BENIN Capitaine I. BOURAIMA, Ministre de la Sante pub!ique et des Affaires sociaJes, Cotonou Professor B.-C. SADELER, Departement des Etudes scientifiques techniques, Section de Medecine, Universite nationale du Benin, Cotonou BRAZIL Dr Paulo DE ALMEIDA MACHADO, Minister of State for Health, · Ministry of Health, Brasilia BURMA Dr Aung Than. BATU, Director-General, Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Rangoon et
WPR/RC36/3 Appendix 1 page 12
CANADA Dr P. LADOUCEUR, Section Head, UN Programmes Diyision, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Ottawa · Dr W.G.B. CASSELMAN, Senior Medical Adviser, International Services, Department of National Health and Welfare, Ottawa Health
Dr W:r. OLIVER, Research Coordinator, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Department of National Health and Welfare, Ottawa Mr C. SIROIS, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations Office and International Organizations at Geneva DENMARK Dr Inge JESPERSEN, Deputy Commissioner of Health, Member of DANIDA's Board, Copenhagen Mr Niels J. LASSEN, Deputy Head of Division, Development Agency (DANIDA}, Copenhagen
Danish International
EGYPT Dr Elmotaz BHlah MOBARAK, Under Secretary of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Cairo FINLAND Miss Anna-Uisa KORHONEN, Secretary of Section, Department for International Development Cooperation, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Helsinki Mrs Helena ROOS, Secretary (Social Affairs), Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations Office and other InternationafOrganizations at Geneva FRANCE
Dr R. GA VARINO, Medecin en Chef des Services du Ministere de la
cooptM-ation, Division de la Sante et de !'Action sociale, Paris Professeur P. PENE, Directeur de !'Unite d'Enseignement et de Recherche de Medecine et de Sante tropicaJes, CHnique exotique 1'H6p1tal Michel Levy, Marseille
a
M. Andre NEMO, Conseiller, Mission Permanente de la France aupres de
l'Office des Nations Unies Siege en Suisse
a Geneve et des
Institutions specialisees ayant leur
WPR/RC36J3 Appendix.! page 13
GERMANY, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF Mr G.R. LIPTAU, Counsellor, Ministry for Economic Cooperation, Bonn Dr W.D. ERNER T, Ministerial Counsellor, Ministry for Economic Cooperation, Bonn Dr W. SCHUMACHER, Ministerial Counsellor, Federal Ministry for Youth, Family Affairs and Health, Bonn Mr G. WIRTH, Counsellor (Financial Affairs), Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations at Geneva INDIA Dr C. GOPALAN, Director-General, Indian Council of Medical Research, New
Delhi KENYA Dr J.M. GEKONYQ, Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Nairobi KUWAIT Dr Nouri ALKAZEMI, Director, Planning and Public Health Department, Ministry of Public Health, Kuwait MALAYSIA Dr G.F. DE WITT, Director, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur
MEXICO Dr Augusto Fujigaki LECHUGA, General Director of Epidemiology and Research on Public Health, Ministry of Public Health, Mexico MOZAMBIQUE Dr J. CABRAL, National Deputy Director for Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, Maputo NETHERLANDS Professor O.J.M. KRANENDONK, Director, Department of Tropical Hygiene, Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam · Mr F.P.R. VAN NOUHtJYS, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of the Netherlands to the United Nations Office and International Organizations at Geneva
WPR/RC36/3 Appendix I. page 14
NIGERIA Dr O.J. EK ANEM, Consultant Malariologist, Federal Ministry of Health, Lagos NORWAY Dr T. GODAL, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo Mr H. Hq.>STMARK, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations Office and to other lnternationalOrganizations at Geneva PHILIPPINES Dr Paulo CAMPOS, Chairman, Division of Medicine, National Research Council of the Philippines, Manila SUDAN Dr Es Sayed Daoud Hassan DAOUDt Director-General, Laboratories and Medical Research, Khartoum SWEDEN Mr Erik CORNELL, Minister, Permanent Mission of Sweden to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations at Geneva Mr Bo STENSON, Head of Section, Population and Health Division, International Development Authority (SlDA), Stockholm Professor Goran STERKY, (SAREC), Stockholm SWITZERLAND Dr C. FLEURY, Service fecteraJ de !'Hygiene publique, Berne Swedish Agency for Research Cooperation
M~ M JEANRENAUD, Mission permanente de la Suisse pres Jes Organisations internationaJes Geneve
a
Dr J. STREULI, Direction de la Cooperation au Deve:!(!)ppement et de !'Aide humanitaire, Berne Dr A. DEGREMONT, lnstitut tropical, B&le THAILAND Professor Yongyoot SUJJAVANICH, Minister of Publie Health, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok · ·
WPR/RC36J3 Appendix 1 page 15
TURKEY Dr Necati DEDEOGLU, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Ankara USSR Dr D.A. ORLOV, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations at Geneva UNITED KINGDOM Dr J.L. KILGOUR, Chief Medical Adviser, Ministry of Overseas Development, London Miss J.M. DIMOND, Principal, Science, Technology and Medical Department, r-.Hnistry of Overseas Development, London Dr Sheila M. HOWARTH, Council, London Principal Medical Officer, Medical Research
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Ms Marjorie S. BELCHER, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Development Support, Agency for International Development, Washington Mr James F. THOMSON, Office of Health, Development Support Bureau,
Agency for International Development, Washington Mr G.J. KLEIN, Attache, United States Mission to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations at Geneva Mr James E. HILL, Attache for Development Assistance, United States Mission to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations at C..eneva Dr Robert FORTUINE, International Health Attache, United States Mission to
the United Nations Office and other International Organizations at Geneva ZAMBIA Dr S.H. SIWALE, Assistant Director of Medical Services, . Planning . and Development, Ministry of Health, Lusaka INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH CENTRE Dr J. GILL, Director, Hea~th Sciences Division, International Development Research Centre, Ottawa
WPR/RC36/3
Appendix l page 16
JAPAN SHIPBUILDING INDUSTRY FOUNDATION Professor K. KIIKUNI, FoundationJ Tokyo THE WElLCOME TRUST Dr P.O. WILLIAMS, Director, The Wellcome Trust, London UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Mr William T. MASHLER, Senior Director, Interregional Projects, UNDP, New York Division for Global and Managing Director, Sasakawa Memorial Health
Mr W.A.C. MATHIESON, Special Consultant to UNDP, London WORLD BANK Dr James A. LEE, Director, Office of Environmental and Health Affairs, World Bank, Washington Mr George DELAUME, Legal Policy Adviser, World Bank, Washington WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION DrS. FLACHE, Special Programme Coordinator, Assistant Director-General Dr A.O. LUCAS, Director, Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases
WPRJRC36/3 page 17 APPENDIX 2
SCIENTIFJC AND TECHNICAL SUMMARY FOR THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL STRUCTURES
!. Despite the remarkable advances in medical science over recent decades1 parasitic diseases still affect or threaten more than a thousand million people in the tropical countries, taking heavy toll in human lives and gravely impeding economic developent. Furthermore, rather than coming under control, in many regions some of these diseases are increasing in both prevalence and severity.
2. This disease burden of the tropics is borne by the very people least equipped to control disease - the populations of the developing countries. Not only is development impeded by disease, but some of the development projects, such as man-made lakes and irrigation schemes designed to improve conditions, have in fact altered the ecology and aggravated major public health problems such as malaria and schistosomiasis.
J. In addition, · technical problems have significantly reduced the effectiveness of some disease control programmes. A prime example is the increasing resistance of anopheline mosquitos to chemical control, the mainstay of the majority of malaria control programmes. In some areas, such insecticide resistance in the vector is combined with chloroquine-resistant strains of the malaria parasite in man, further increasing the severity of the problem.
In the case of filarial infections, especially in onchocerciasis, commonly called river blindness, there is still no effective and safe drug which can be relied upon to kHJ the adult worms in man. No vaccine is available for any of the parasitic infections and no new effective, cheap and safe drugs for the widespread treatment of the diseases have become available in the past three decades. 4. To stimulate and coordinate goal-oriented research leading to the development and application of new and improved tools for control of these diseases, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases has been planned and initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the assistance and co-sponsorhip of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank (the Bank). This Programme's two principal objectives can be summarized as: research and development for better tools to control tropical diseases, and training and strengthening of institutions to increase the research capability of tropical countries.
WPR/RC36/3 Appttndix 2 page 18
5. Criteria for selection of the diseases - malaria, schistosomiasis, filariasis, trypanosomiasis (both African sleeping sickness and the American form caHed Chagas' disease), leishmaniasis and leprosy - induded:
the impact of the disease as a public health problem; the absence of satisfactory methods for control of the disease in prevailing circumstances of the tropical countries; the presence of research opportunities Jeading to improved control methods. Since several major problems requiring research apply to most or all of the six diseases, the Special Programme includes components on epidemiology and operational research, vector control, socioeconomic and biomedical research. 6. Each component of the Special Programme is developed under the guidance and with the participation of multidisciplinary groups of scientists organized into a number of Scientific Working Groups, each with clearly defined research goals. 7. Intimately related to this search for new tools is the equally important interdependent objective: the development of manpower and the strengthening of research institutions in the endemic countries of the tropics. 8. To these ends, institution strengthening activities focus upon the creation of a network of coUaborating centres in tropical countries. These centres will become focal points for strengthening the research capabilities of the affected countries and will also be the sites for training activities. 9. The Special Programme is concerned to ensure that the full spectrum of technologists and scientists is trained to carry out the required research in accordance with the decisions and needs of the countries involved. Thus, while the Special Programme is especially concerned with training leaders in research, it is not neglecting the training of supporting workers in the laboratory, the clinic and the field. J0. The Special Programme must be looked upon as a long-term effort of twenty years or more. It is hoped, however, that within the next five years some of the new tools will be ready for extensive trials within the national health services of those countries needing them.