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ASVAC 2022: For the first time, Sri Lanka hosts int’l conference on vaccines
View(s):More than 200 including GPs, Paediatricians, Microbiologists and nurses from Sri Lanka and a dozen international experts expected to participate
With the importance of vaccines being reinforced during the COVID-19 havoc, the countdown has begun for the timely two-day 8th Asian Vaccine Conference (ASVAC) 2022 on the theme ‘Immunization in the era of pandemics’ to be held from September 16-18 in Colombo.
ASVAC 2022 is the first-ever international conference on vaccines to be hosted by Sri Lanka. It is organised by the Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Forum of Sri Lanka (VIDFSL) along with the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists and the College of General Practitioners (GPs) of Sri Lanka.
This hybrid meeting set to kick-off from the Medical Research Institute (MRI), Borella, will be held in coordination with the Immunization Partners in Asia Pacific (IPAP).
VIDFSL President Dr. Geethani Galagoda stated that ASVAC 2022 aims to provide participants unparalleled insights into the latest research, vaccine developments and treatment in the field of vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization. They hope to achieve this through the comprehensive scientific programme led by regional vaccinology experts.
She said that Sri Lanka is being honoured with the task of holding ASVAC 2022 due to the recognition that Consultant Paediatrician and Member of the Organizing Committee, Dr. H.T. Wickramasinghe has been able to garner from international vaccine experts.
More than 200 including GPs, Paediatricians, Microbiologists and nurses from Sri Lanka are expected to participate in the conference. Strong has been the support of the Health Ministry including the Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena, his staff and the Epidemiology Unit.
More than a dozen international experts including Prof. Tony Nelson, Professor in Paediatrics, Chinese University of Hong Kong; Prof. Lulu Bravo, Professor Emeritus, Paediatric Infectious and Tropical Diseases, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila; and Dr. Zulkifli Ismail, Paediatric Cardiologist, KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital, Malaysia; will address ASVAC 2022.
The local experts who will speak at the conference include Dr. Wickramasinghe; Consultant Paediatrician Dr. LakKumar Fernando; and Prof. Neelika Malavige, Head of the Dengue Global Programme of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative and Professor, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella will also address the conference.
The pre-conference closed-door meeting of EPI (Expanded Programme of Immunization) Managers will be held on September 15, with the participation of delegates from the Western Pacific and South East Asian region. The VIDFSL has been given the privilege of preparing the programme for this meeting which will help create a strong network to keep the links alive, long after the Colombo meeting.
A key component of this meeting will be the presentation by Acting Chief Epidemiologist and Consultant Community Physician, Dr. Samitha Ginige on ‘The Integrated Immunization Programme: Overcoming challenges during pandemics’ on how Sri Lanka tackled immunization during the pandemic and lessons to be learnt by other countries.
Meanwhile, a pre-conference master class on vaccines open to doctors and nurses, will be held on the morning of September 16, during which experts will take the participants through the latest developments and advances with regard to vaccines.
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