Communicable disease control and prevention in Taiwan: Achievements and challenges

Taiwan has many early success stories in controlling communicable diseases. Plague, smallpox, and rabies were eradicated by 1959; and, the World Health Organization declared Taiwan malaria-free in 1965 and polio-free in 2000. Because the government has provided an ever-increasing list of free childhood vaccinations since 1948, diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, and measles have virtually disappeared endemically.

In 1998, Taiwan experienced a large outbreak of enterovirus-71 infection resulting in the death of 78 children. In 2003, Taiwan was hit by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). From these experiences, Taiwan learned to implement a multi-dimensional surveillance network, which might detect disease outbreaks early. To prepare for the impending arrival of influenza pandemic, Taiwan has established the National Influenza Center to integrate existing influenza surveillance systems, characterize antigens and genes of influenza viruses, and regularly release influenza epidemic information to the public.

The fight against tuberculosis and HIV infection remain to be our challenges. After the implementation of harm reduction programs, including needle/syringe exchange and methadone maintenance programs in 2005, annual number of new HIV infection decreased for the first time in 2006. In 2007, in addition to expanding directly observed therapy-short course (DOTS) coverage, Taiwan poured in funding to provide comprehensive care for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients.

Taiwan has much valuable experience to share with countries facing similar challenges. Taiwan has revised its national Communicable Disease Control Law to abide with the International Health Regulations (2005) and will continue to be a responsible member contributing to the global health community.