[Communicable diseases in the countries of the former Soviet Union]

The reasons for the breakdown of control of communicable diseases in the countries of the former Soviet Union are discussed. The national and international response to the threat to public health is outlined. The factors behind the breakdown are complex and related both to inherent features of the old system and a failure on the part of the public health authorities to respond quickly in a situation of financial and societal unrest. In collaboration with the international community, the Russian authorities have managed to prevent some 560,000 new cases of diphtheria and 15,000 probable deaths from 1994 to 1998 by concerted action through the Interagency Immunization Coordination Committee.