Smallpox eradication (Resolution)

REPORI' OF TEE REGIONAL COMMITTEE 23 1<]P /RC10. Rl7 NAT! ONAL DISASTER The Regional Committee, Being aware of the recent emergency which has arisen in Taiwan as a result of the considerable damage caused by typhoons, floods and earthquake, 1. CONGRATUIATES the public Health Administration on the protII.J?t and effective medical care and preventive measures taken against the possible outbreak of epidemic diseases; 2. EXPRESSES the hope that the magnificent efforts being undertaken by the Government and the sacrifices being made by the people of Taiwan vTill result in a rapid return to normal conditions; and 3. REQUESTS the Regional Director to transmit this resolution to the Government of the Republic of China. Fifth meeting, 22 September 1959 l-JP /RC10.Rl8 SMALLPOX ERADICATION The Regional Committee, Having considered the resolution of the Twelfth World Health Assemblyl and the report of the Regional Director on smallpox eradication; 2 NoiJing: (1) that although requests for assistance have been received from some countries in the Region, eradication campaigns have not yet been started in all the countries 1 Resolution WHA12.54 2 Unpublished documents 1-JP/RC10/12 and Add.l 24 REGIONAL COMMITrEE: TENTH SESSION where endemic foci exist; (2) that smallpox-free countries have also a part to play in a global smallpox programme, 1. EMPHASIZES the urgency of achieving world-wide eradication; 2. RECOMMENDS to the health administrations of those countries where the disease is still present that they make provision for the availability of a potent stable vaccine and that they organize and conduct as soon as possible, eradication programmes; 3. CALLS attention to the concern of health administrations in smallpox-free countries and urges all Member countries to give attention to: (1) the need for strict observance of quarantine regulations including issuing valid certificates of vaccination; (2) maintenance of the highest possible level of immunity in the population; (3) the avoidance of serious outbreaks following the introduction of an imported case by such methods of mass vaccination as may be applicable, taking into account the development of the health services of the country; 4. REQUESTS the Regional Director to consider arranging for an inter-regional seminar on quarantine control of smallpox. 1']PR Handb.Res., 1st ed., 1.2.2 Sixth meeting, 22 September 1959 1.JP /RC10 .R19 RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION The Regional Committee EXPRESSES its appreciation and thanks to: