26 February 2010 marks the fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a public health treaty that calls on all countries to end the tobacco epidemic. The Union’s tobacco control programme works in 22 low- and middle-income countries where this challenge is greatest.

The February issue of the IJTLD offers two editorials on the H1N1 situation, one providing an overview of the epidemic and the other describing the situation from the perspective of Canadian First Nations.

Online abstract submission for free communication sessions (poster displays, discussions and featured oral presentations) to be presented at the 41st Union World Conference on Lung Health (11-15 November 2010) is now accessible by clicking here. The deadline for submissions is 15 March 2010.

The Union has opened a new region office to serve the Asia Pacific Region. The Union Asia Pacific Office (UAP) in Singapore will serve as a base for technical assistance, education and research activities in the region sponsored by The Union and its partners.

The Union has been saddened to learn of the passing of a very distinguished member, Prof Jorge Alberto Pilheu of Argentina. Prof Pilheu was born on 11 May 1919 and died on 6 January 2010. A specialist in pneumology and respiratory diseases, he played a critical role in both tuberculosis and tobacco control and prevention in Argentina. His constant preoccupation was to create awareness on these two issues and their impact on health and the environment. On World TB Day 2009 (24 March 2009), he was awarded the Bronze Medal of the Ministry of Health of the Argentine Republic for “his extensive work and knowledge in the fight against tuberculosis”.