The global cost of communicable diseases is expected to rise. SARS has put the world on alert. We have now Avian Flu on the watch. Recognizing the global nature of threats posed by new and re-emerging infectious diseases and the fact that many recent occurrences originated in the Asia Pacific regions, there has been an increased interest in learning and knowing about disease surveillance and monitoring progresses made in these regions. Such knowledge and awareness is necessary to reduce conflict, discomfort, tension and uneasiness in future negotiations and global cooperation
