The Union congratulates CATA, our constituent member from China, on 80 years of TB capacity building, continuing education and research.
On 21 October 1933, when the Chinese Anti-Tuberculosis Association (CATA) was established in Shanghai, it was the first professional organisation in China focused on tuberculosis (TB). At that time, TB was a deadly disease in China, and today, while TB is treatable and curable, it is still a major public health challenge there.
Over the past 80 years, CATA has played an important role in capacity building, continuing education, and research, as well as applying appropriate technology for health professionals fighting against TB in China. Internationally, CATA is a constituent member of the International Union Against TB and Lung Disease (The Union).
On 11 October 2013, CATA hosted its 80-year anniversary in Chengdu, China. A two-day TB conference followed the celebration; and 1,737 TB and lung health professionals attended the two events. Representatives from the National Health and Family Planning Commission, Chinese Association of Science, the World Health Organization and The Union were present. In addition, there were guest speakers and participants from the USA, the Netherlands and Canada.
For CATA – and all involved in TB control – this 80-year anniversary is an important milestone, encouraging TB health professionals to continue moving forward in the fight against TB.
“All members of The Union around the world congratulate CATA on its 80th anniversary”, says Dr E Jane Carter, President of The Union. “It is only through our combined efforts over the past decades that TB has become a treatable and curable disease and the lives of millions have been saved. We look forward to our continuing collaboration in the years to come and the final defeat of TB."