The Regional Committee,
Acknowledging reports that indicate that the Western Pacific Region is on track to achieve the regional goal of halving tuberculosis prevalence and mortality, thus contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals;
Appreciating that the firm political commitment of Member States and the efforts of international partners made it possible to implement the Strategic Plan to Stop Tuberculosis in the Western Pacific (2006–2010);
Realizing that further effort is needed to ensure universal access to diagnosis, treatment and care for all people suffering from tuberculosis;
Recognizing the emergence and spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis, and particularly multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, pose serious public health threats;
Expressing further concern that the HIV/AIDS epidemic may reverse gains achieved in tuberculosis control,
1. ENDORSES the Regional Strategy to Stop Tuberculosis in the Western Pacific (2011–2015);[1]
2. URGES Member States:
(1) to develop and/or update national tuberculosis strategic plans, consistent with the Regional Strategy to Stop Tuberculosis in the Western Pacific (2011–2015);
(2) to strive for universal and equitable access to diagnosis, treatment and care for all people suffering from tuberculosis by strengthening public-private partnerships, by implementing case-finding approaches that target high-risk populations, and by addressing access barriers to tuberculosis care for vulnerable populations;
(3) to strengthen tuberculosis laboratory capacity to diagnose susceptible and drug-resistant tuberculosis using, where appropriate, the most effective latest technologies;
(4) to scale up the health systems management of drug-resistant tuberculosis by developing and implementing comprehensive plans with political commitment and financial support;
(5) to develop and implement a comprehensive policy framework for collaborative TB-HIV activities;
(6) to strengthen tuberculosis programme management capacity through sufficient financial and human resources;
3. REQUESTS the Regional Director:
(1) to work closely with Member States and partner organizations to sustain support for tuberculosis control;
(2) to provide support to Member States in developing and updating national tuberculosis strategic plans, using the Regional Strategy to Stop Tuberculosis in the Western Pacific (2011–2015) as a framework;
(3) to provide technical support to Member States to strengthen evidence-based policy development.
Seventh meeting
WPR/RC61/SR/7