The Northern Terrritory Divisonal Office of the Commonwealth Department of Health was responsible for health functions and services in the Northern Territory from 1939. From 1942 until 1946 as a result of the evacuation of the Territory during the Second World War the Commandant, 7th Military District took over control of these functions. In 1946 the Divisional Office resumed its work. When the Northern Territory achieved self-government in 1978, the Northern Territory Divisional Office of the Department of Health was closed and health functions transferred to the Department of Resources and Health.