A New York Times article (Sept 27, 2011) describes the role of Village Health volunteers – one million strong in a nation of 65 million, who watch for disease outbreaks, spread warnings wen detected and thus curb infectious diseases. These volunteers make Thailand the lowest in infant mortality compared to its neighbors and operate at low costs ($2.70 per person), with each volunteer assisting 15-20 households.  Is the volunteer aspect of this low cost service a key ingredient of its success ? How should one expect this system to evolve as prosperity has improved in Thailand and life expectancy has increased from 55 to 70 years ? Will the same techniques that helped with leprosy work for affluent society illnesses like diabetes and blood pressure ?