ABSTRACT
In the early 1960s, the WHO developed a tuberculosis control policy whereby tuberculosis services (including regular and complete treatment of infectious cases) could be integrated into the general medical institutions distributed across a country. This control policy was deemed the best way to effectively reduce the tuberculosis problem within a community.<br><br>In late 1960s, the Philippines successfully developed a National Tuberculosis Program, based on WHO recommendations, that was integrated into the general health services. But due to inadequate management, it was not effectively implemented. The Government of the Philippines requested that the Japanese Government cooperate in improving its effectiveness. So, in 1992 JICA initiated a technical cooperation project in tuberculosis control. The total period of the project is from 1992 to 2007. During the cooperation, the project made major contributions to the introduction and expansion of WHO strategies throughout the country. Among the reasons for its success, the most important was that the Philippines had already developed a primary health care infrastructure throughout the country. In addition, the following factors should also be mentioned: 1) the strong commitment of the Philippine government in tuberculosis control, 2) the JICA project led to the coordination of other international aid agencies, 3) the Research Institute of Tuberculosis (Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association), which has ample experience in tuberculosis research and international cooperation, was involved in the planning and operation of the project.<br><br>However, the Philippines' governance is still weak at the central, regional and provincial levels. The strengthening of their ability to administrate will be a key factor in the future success of the program.