The 2013 Colloquium Health systems and control of neglected diseases in Asia will be jointly organised by ITM and IPH at Bengaluru Park Plaza Hotel, November 21 through 23. Linking health systems and disease control, as the organisers explicitly do, is no coincidence but a deliberate choice of utmost importance based on “the recognition that stronger health systems can enhance the effectiveness of disease control programmes, and vice versa”. The Colloquium takes the systems-programmes tandem a step further, “investigat(ing) pragmatic ways to maximise the mutual benefits”. It thus offers researchers, policymakers and programme officers a platform to debate common challenges, to update on the state of the art of neglected diseases in terms of knowledge and practice, and to optimise the interface between disease control programmes and national health systems.
The 2013 Colloquium Health systems and control of neglected diseases in Asia is also unique in applying the widest possible – but well grounded – scope to neglected diseases. The organisers welcome all relevant contributions to better understanding and control of infectious diseases of poverty. These include the big three (HIV, TB, malaria), plus the 23 neglected tropical diseases, plus (re)emerging diseases. Indeed, there is today enough evidence to state that “infectious diseases are a proxy for poverty and disadvantage, affect populations with low visibility and little political voice, cause stigma and discrimination, impose a heavy health and economic burden, are low on many research funders’ agendas, have greater impact where health systems are weak, and burden caregivers and families”. Contributions on non-communicable diseases of poverty are also welcomed.
With sessions on the state of the art of neglected diseases in Asia, design and evaluation of disease control programmes, the role of the private sector in disease control, disease control and health systems strengthening, and disease control and social determinants of health, the 2013 Colloquium Health systems and control of neglected diseases in Asia is a firm step towards effective disease control, strengthened health systems and – hopefully – health for all in a better world.
The number of attendees is limited, so please register soon:
