[30th anniversary of the "Kuratorium Tuberkulose in der Welt"]

The "Kuratorium Tuberkulose in der Welt" is a non-profit association to fight tuberculosis (TB) in the world. It was founded by a group of idealist physicians 30 years ago. Its tasks are to fight against TB, especially in developing countries, to propagate the knowledge of TB prevention and therapy, and to promote research in the field of TB. The "Kuratorium" has set up projects in Santa Cruz (Bolivia), Kathmandu (Nepal), Lomé (Togo), Kiev (Ukraine), and Stavropol (Russia). In cooperation with the WHO, the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD), and local anti-tb-organisations microbiologic laboratories were established for case detection and therapeutic monitoring. Local staffs were trained and strategies to combat TB were implemented. For more than 30 years the "Kuratorium Tuberkulose in der Welt" has worked successfully and beneficially, despite of often difficult political situations. It has received great appreciation for its achievements.