The technical discussion on tobacco control and intensification of HIV/AIDS surveillance. held under the aegis of the World Health Organisation recommended urgent action by the member countries.

This was disclosed at a press briefing jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the WHO at Sheraton Hotel yesterday.

The current 52nd session of the Regional Committee (RC), being held in the capital from September 6. adopted a number of recommendations during discussions. The recommendations will be finalised today, concluding day of the conference.

In adopting regional policy framework for tobacco control and the regional action plan for 2000-2004. the RC adopted some key recommendations that Include;

Member countries should constitute national councils for tobacco control and develop country specific strategies for tobacco control.

Countries should enact strong legislation and regulations, increase taxation on tobacco and educate people on the ill effects of tobacco.

Nicotine that Is not used for

therapeutic purposes should be regulated as a controlled drug and mechanisms evolved to monitor the tar and nicotine levels of tobacco products in the region.

In view of the more acute problem of HIV/AIDS in the region. technical discussion focused on intensification of HIV/AIDS surveillance in the region.

Some of the important resolutions adopted by the RC in-elude:

•Each country should establish a national working group on HIV estimates, which should review all relevant data annually and prepare an estimate on HIV prevalence.

Surveillance data should be quickly analysed and used for action and epidemiological research should be periodically carried out to evaluate HIV/AIDS surveillance programme.

In her address to the press Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland. Director General. WHO. said "In times of many challenges we must all learn to focus on health issues that matter most and we must reach out and convince our partners to do likewise."

Dr Brundtland added. "Reaching out to civil society, NGOs, our UN partners and to the private sector as we do it in this region — increases the impact we can make."

Health Minister' Salauddin Yusuf, and State Minister for Health M Amanullah, also addressed the press conference.

Health Secretary M M Reza, WHO regional director Uton Machlon Raffe were also present.