Oral health programme of the Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization

The development of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Oral Health Programme was briefly traced through two of the three multi-phased periods (from 1971--77) of WHO collaboration. The third period of development (1978--83) is by a planning exercise referred to as 'the regional oral health medium-term programme'. This exercise takes into account the problem areas at the end of the second period. Twelve quantifiable targets for achievement by 1983 are identified. Specific and general activities, approaches and strategies for achieving targets are briefly outlined. It is expected that the programmes for prevention of dental diseases will be intensified in the region during the current five-year period. There is also a growing tendency for consultants from developing countries and areas to be utilized in the region under the concept of Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCDC). Systems will also be developed to monitor the progress in achieving targets in the region and changes instituted where necessary.