In October 2012, the International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases hosted
ISNTD Bites, a parasitology and vector-control conference at the Natural History Museum in London to showcase and discuss major issues surrounding vector evolution and control methods. Although the content of the conference is centered around research and policy directly in the field of vector control, the overall aim of this conference encompassed much the broader arenas of policy implementation with a view to sustainable and meaningful healthcare advances and poverty alleviation. This was achieved, for example, by reviewing the impact of climate change on vector/disease incidence and the role of governance in vector control methods.
To continue on the momentum of this event which raised crucial issues in terms of NTD control, the ISNTD will be holding the Second ISNTD Bites, a year on, to develop this further – with emphasis this year on disease & vector surveillance methods and tools, the growing implications of resistance and a special focus on dengue. This will be held in London at the Royal Geographical Society.
The ISNTD Bites conferences are aiming to drive the focus on the advances and needs in the spheres of vector control and the surveillance of the diseases which are carried by them, with an aim of improving the understanding, control and evolution of Neglected Tropical Diseases and the conditions associated closely with them – whether other highly co-endemic diseases (such as malaria or emergent vector-borne diseases) or sanitation, hygiene and social development.
These conferences are naturally aimed at:
vector-control specialists
vector biologists
parasitologists & entomologists
but beyond that, the Society and its events need the direct and immediate participation of:
NTD programme managers & policy makers
NGOs, charities and donor agencies
social scientists
healthcare professionals
government officials in all continents
students
to ensure that conference output can be readily translated into meaningful gains for all those suffering from NTDs. We heartily encourage multisector involvement and participation to both drive vector-control strategies in the direction required in field and also to ensure that the research & development coming from the vector-control sector is then applied with maximum impact in the field to achieve the best possible outcome for those directly affected by those vectors & their diseases.
To register click here