WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTE
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC BUREAU REGIONAL DU PACIFIQUE OCCIDENTAL
REGIONAL COMMITTEE Fifty-second session Brunei Darussalam 10-14 September 2001 Provisional agenda item 21.3
WPR/RC52/17 10 August 2001 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR RESEARCH AND TRAINING IN TROPICAL DISEASES: MEMBERSHIP OF THE JOINT COORDINATING BOARD
The Lao People's Democratic Republic and Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea ends on 31 December 2001. The Regional Committee is requested to select one Member State to send a representative to the Joint Coordinating Board for the three-year period commencing 1 January 2002.
WPR/RC52/17 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 as Annex 1. It provides for the establishment of a Joint Coordinating Board to coordinate the interests and responsibilities of all 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 paragraph 2.2.2). The periods of tenure of past and present representatives from the Western Pacific Region to the Joint Coordinating Board since January 1978 are shown in Annex 2. The Committee’s attention is also drawn to the following paragraphs of section 2.2 of the Memorandum of Understanding: (1) paragraph 2.2.3, which indicates that three members, in addition to the members selected by
the regional committees and those appointed under Paragraph 2.2.1, may be designated by the Board itself from among the remaining Cooperating Parties (see section 1.2 of the Memorandum of Understanding); (2) the last paragraph, which indicates that governments and organizations which are
Cooperating Parties in the Special Programme and have not been selected for membership of the Board, may attend its 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 meeting as an observer should be communicated to the Special Programme Coordinator, WHO, Geneva. The letters relating to the 2001 meeting of the Board, held on 25 and 26 June 2001, were dispatched on 30 March 2001. Requests for designation as a member of the Board were to be received by 26 April 2001 and requests to attend the meeting as an observer were to be received by 26 May 2001. The exact dates and place of the 2002 meeting of the Board, when confirmed, will be conveyed to the Member States in due course.
WPR/RC52/17 page 3 ANNEX 1
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL STRUCTURES OF THE SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR RESEARCH AND TRAINING IN TROPICAL DISEASES (WHO/TDR/CP/78.5/REV.88)
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 UNDP), the World Bank (hereinafter called the Bank) and the World Health Organization (hereinafter called WHO), and operates within a broad framework of the intergovernmental/interagency cooperation and participation. The governments and organizations which met in Geneva on 1 and 2 February 1978 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 an appendix hereto.
1.
DEFINITIONS
1.1
The Special Programme is a global programme of international technical cooperation
initiated by WHO and co-sponsored by UNDP and the Bank, with the two interdependent objectives of developing improved tools for the control of tropical diseases and strengthening the research capability of affected countries themselves. 1.2 1.2.1 Cooperating Parties are: 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 directly affected by the diseases dealt with by the Special Programme;
WPR/RC52/17 page 4 Annex 1 1.2.2 those intergovernmental and other non-profit-making organizations contributing to Special
Programme Resources or providing technical and/or scientific support to the Special Programme. 1.3 1.4 The Executing Agency is WHO. Special Programme Resources are the financial resources made available to the Special
Programme by governments and organizations, through the Tropical Diseases Research Fund, an international fund administered by the Bank, the WHO Voluntary Fund for Health Promotion and other agency funds.
2.
THE JOINT COORDINATING BOARD (JCB)
2.1
Functions 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 all 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). 2.1.2 Approve the proposed plan of action and budget for the coming financial period, prepared by
the Executing Agency and reviewed by the Standing Committee. 2.1.3 Review the proposals of the Standing Committee and approve arrangements for the financing
of the Special Programme in that period. 2.1.4 2.1.5 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 Auditor of the Executing Agency. 2.1.6 Review periodic reports which evaluate the progress of the Special Programme towards the
achievement of its objectives.
WPR/RC52/17 page 5 Annex 1 2.1.7 Endorse the proposals of the Executing Agency and the Standing Committee for STAC
membership. 2.1.8 Consider such other matters relating to the Special Programme as may be referred to it by any
Cooperating Party. 2.2 Composition The JCB shall consist of 30 members from among the Cooperating Parties as follows: 2.2.1 Twelve government representatives selected by the contributors to the Special Programme
Resources. 2.2.2 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. 2.2.3 2.2.4 Three members, designated by the JCB itself, from among the remaining Cooperating Parties. The three Agencies which comprise the Standing Committee. 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 2.3.1 Operation The JCB shall meet in annual session, and in extraordinary session if required, and with the
agreement of the majority of its members. 2.3.21 The JCB shall elect a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman from among the representatives and its members: -
the chairman shall be elected every two years; the Vice-Chairman shall be elected each year;
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1
Amended by the Co-sponsoring Agencies in agreement with the Joint Coordinating Board; with effect from the Twelfth Session of the Board in 1989. [See the report of JCB(11), document TDR/JCB(11)/88.3].
WPR/RC52/17 page 6 Annex 1 -
both officers shall serve until their successors are elected.
If the Cooperating Party which the Chairman represents is no longer a member of the JCB or if the Chairman is no longer a representative of that JCB member, this chairmanship shall come to an end prior to the normal date of expiry. In the case of a vacancy in the chairmanship, the Vice-Chairman shall act as Chairman until the new Chairman is elected at the next session of the Board. The Chairman and, in the latter's absence, the Vice-Chairman, shall preside over sessions of the JCB. Between sessions, they shall have such additional duties as may be assigned to them by the JCB. 2.3.3 The Executing Agency shall provide the Secretariat and arrange for supporting services and
facilities as may be required by the JCB. 2.3.4 Subject to such other special arrangements as may be decided upon by the JCB, members of
the JCB shall make their own arrangements to cover the expenses incurred in attending sessions of the JCB. Observers shall attend sessions of the JCB at their own expense. Other expenses of the JCB shall be borne by the Special Programme Resources.
3. THE STANDING COMMITTEE
3.1
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. 3.1.2 Make proposals to the JCB for the financing of the Special Programme for the coming
financial period.
WPR/RC52/17 page 7 Annex 1 3.1.3 Approve reallocation of resources between Programme areas and Scientific Working Groups
of the Special Programme during a financial period, upon the recommendation of STAC and the Executing Agency, and report such reallocations to the JCB. 3.1.4 Examine the reports submitted to the Executing Agency by 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. 3.1.5 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. 3.1.6 3.2 3.2.1 Inform the JCB, as required, regarding Special Programme matters of interest to the JCB. Operation The Standing Committee shall usually meet at least twice a year; once at the time of the JCB
session, and additionally between sessions of the JCB. 3.2.2 The Executing Agency shall arrange for supporting services and facilities as may be required
by the Standing Committee. 3.2.3 Members of the Standing Committee shall make their own arrangements to cover the
expenses incurred in attending sessions of the Standing Committee.
4. THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (STAC)
4.1
Functions The STAC shall have the following functions:
4.1.1
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. 4.1.2 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.
WPR/RC52/17 page 8 Annex 1 4.1.3 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. 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 15–18 scientists and other technical personnel who will serve in their personal capacities to represent the broad range of biomedical and other disciplines required for Special Programme activities. Members of STAC, including the Chairperson, will be selected on the basis of scientific or 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 be appointed to serve for a period of
three years, and will be eligible for further reappointment. To maintain continuity of membership, the expiration of the initial terms of office of members of STAC will be staggered. 4.3 4.3.1 4.3.2 Operation The STAC shall meet at least once each year. The Executing Agency shall provide the Secretariat to STAC, including sustained scientific,
technical and administrative support. 4.3.3 4.3.4 Costs of the STAC shall be borne by the Special Programme Resources. The STAC shall prepare an annual report on the basis of a full review of all technical and This report, containing its findings and
scientific aspects of the Special Programme.
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 shall 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 STAC, or in his absence a member of STAC deputized to act for him, shall attend all sessions of the JCB.
WPR/RC52/17 page 9 Annex 1
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 will 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 development and operation of the Special Programme, including the plan of action and budget.
6. TRANSITIONAL
The Cooperating Parties attending the preliminary meeting of the Special Programme together with the Co-sponsoring Agencies have, as an interim measure, carried out the functions of the JCB pending its definitive establishment pursuant to paragraph 2.2 hereof.
2 February 1978
WPR/RC52/17 page 10
WPR/RC52/17 page 11 Annex 1 Appendix
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SUMMARY OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL STRUCTURES
1.
Despite the remarkable advances in medical science over recent decades, parasitic diseases
still affect or threaten more than a thousand million people in the tropical countries, taking a heavy toll of human lives and gravely impeding economic development. 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. 3. 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 kill 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-sponsorship of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank (the Bank).
WPR/RC52/17 page 12 Annex 1 Appendix
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.
-
5.
Criteria for selection of the diseases - malaria, schistosomiasis, filariasis, trypanosomiasis
(both African sleeping sickness and the American form called Chagas’ disease), leishmaniasis and leprosy - included: -
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 leading 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 the 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 human resources 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
collaborating 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
WPR/RC52/17 page 13 Annex 1 Appendix
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. 10. 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.
WPR/RC52/17 page 14
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