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`The Korean National Tuberculosis Association, established to stamp out tuberculosis in Korea, marks its 50th anniversary on November 6, 2003. In the aftermath of the Korean War, a variety of diseases beleaguered the nation, tuberculosis in particular. The number of those afflicted by tuberculosis at the time reached as many as 1.3 million, accounting for 6.5% of the entire population in Korea. It emerged as a major issue in national public health. Such grave conditions united the professionals in the health and medical sectors, which led to the establishment of the Korean National Tuberculosis Association in 1953 with the purpose of disseminating awareness of tuberculosis as well as on the prevention and treatment of the disease. The incidence rate of tuberculosis declined significantly following the enactment of the Tuberculosis Prevention Act followed up by steady efforts on the part of the government and the Association. Currently, the Association operates a head office, the Korea Institute of Tuberculosis and 10 ``double-cross`` clinics in 12 cities and provinces. The Association manufactures tuberculosis prevention inoculation drugs (BCG vaccines) and distributes them for free while focusing on the prevention and finding cases of tuberculosis including publicity campaigns, X-ray examinations, tuberculin tests and treatment. The Association also offers assistance to North Korea, facilities accommodating tuberculosis patients as well as national tuberculosis control projects including health worker training and technical assistance through international exchanges. The commemorative stamp portraying the double-cross mark, the symbol of the Association, is issued on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Korean National Tuberculosis`