The SEAMEO* Regional Tropical Medicine and Public Health Project was established in 1967 to help improve the health and standard of living of the peoples of Southeast Asia by pooling manpower resources of the participating SEAMEO member countries in a cooperative endeavor to develop and upgrade the research and training capabilities of the existing facilities in these countries. By promoting effective regional cooperation among the participating national centers, it is hoped to minimize waste in duplication of programs and activities. In 1992 the Project was renamed the SEAMEO Regional Tropical Medicine and Public Health Network.