Tuberculosis (TB) kills more people around the world annually than any other preventable infectious disease.According to data released by the Taiwan Center for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), Taiwan saw 16,742 new cases of TB in 2005.In 2006, that number was reduced to 15,378.In 2007, it came further down, again, to 14, 554.That’s about a 7% annual reduction in Taiwan’s TB incidence rate.Even more impressive is the 10% annual reduction in TB-related mortalities.In other words, Taiwan is well on the way to meeting the World Health Organization’s goals of reducing new TB cases by half, from 15,000 to 7,500, by 2015.These exciting results are proof that with collaboration between the government and the people Taiwan’s TB prevention efforts have yielded life-saving dividends and are worth further investments and more resources.

The Taiwan CDC’s Reduction of Tuberculosis by Half in Ten Years plan is intended to help the public gain a better understanding of this world’s leading cause of death and how to prevent the infectious disease.To bring this knowledge and information to the people, Taiwan CDC is organizing a Stop TB Traveling Fair, which has been scheduled to be held at the Taipei Main Station’s main hall and begin at 10 a.m on Friday, April 25, 2008.The Stop TB Traveling Fair is an educational, lively and fun experience for the whole family.The exhibition at the Taipei Main Station will last through April 30, 2008, and then will be subsequently moved to Taichung City, Kaohsiung City, Taoyuan County, Hualien County and Chiayi City.

Lin Dai-chiao, one of Taiwan’s top tennis players, will appear at the opening ceremony and talk about his personal experience with TB.In November 2007, Lin experienced a persistent cough.When he finally sought medical attention, he was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.Initially, Lin was in denial about the diagnosis, thinking that he was too young and fit, thus should be immune to this kind of infectious disease.Nevertheless, he did not give up on battling the disease because he was determined to return to playing the sport he has loved so much.Therefore, he carefully followed his physician’s advice, and took the appropriate medications.Today, he is back in the courts, playing tennis.Lin said that, based on his own experience, by following doctor’s orders and adhering to medication, people can make a full recovery from TB.

A local celebrity, Sui Tang will also be attending the opening ceremony.Besides, playing the role of a DOTS care worker, Sui will be making special appeal to young people to take this deadly disease seriously and see a physician if a cough persists for three weeks.She will also call on people to stop the spread of TB and other infectious diseases by covering their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze.

The Stop TB Traveling Fair has six main exhibits:The TB Prevention Maze, The Magic Stop TB Carousel, The TB Cases Free-Fall, The Stop TB International Cooperation Balloon, The Mini Train of DOTS Cases, and TB Prevention Video Experience.Through these entertaining exhibits, people can learn all the information they need to know about TB, including the history and current status of TB prevention in Taiwan and around the world, ways to prevent TB, and medical treatments for drug resistant TB.People of all ages are invited to attend the Stop TB Traveling Fair and learn more about TB—the world’s deadliest preventable infectious disease.