Microsoft Word 02Preface doc

2.1
 
Functions of Research Institutes for Communicable Diseases in Japan 
2.1.1
 
Implementing Agencies for Communicable Diseases Control 
In Japan the Health Services Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare 
(MOHLW) and the Specific Diseases Control Division and the Tuberculosis and 
Infectious Diseases Control Division under this bureau are in charge of infectious 
diseases control.  The implementing agencies and their role at each administrative 
level (national, prefectural and city/ward levels) are defined by the “Law on Infectious 
Diseases Prevention and Treatment for Infected Patients (came into effect in 1998, 
with the latest revision in 2005)”.     
As the responsible ministry for infectious diseases control at the national level, the 
MOHLW formulates the basic policy for infectious diseases control, and prepares and 
publishes preventive guidelines for specific infectious diseases that should be treated 
according to comprehensive control measures.    In addition, the MOHLW supports the 
implementing agencies in their execution of infectious diseases control at the 
prefectural and district levels. 
Based on the national policy, implementing agencies at the prefectural level draw up 
prevention plans and action plans.    These plans regarding infectious diseases control 
are implemented by Health Departments and Health Divisions, and Health Centres at 
the city/ward level.    Health Divisions and Health Centres in each city/ward also offer 
health services, such as information on outbreaks of infectious diseases and 
immunization, as the executive bodies for infectious diseases control.