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The state of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis [MDR TB] in South Africa: two-day workshop February 24, 2010

Posted by Phakamile in : Uncategorized , 3comments

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation is conducting a series of workshops in the US and in high burden countries – including South Africa, Russia, China, and India.  They have partnered with the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) to convene a two-day workshop on MDR TB [3-4 March 2010, Roode Vallei Country Lodge, Pretoria, South Africa].

The workshop will bring together disease experts, community leaders, policymakers, and patient advocates to examine the state of MDR TB in the South Africa, to learn from the experiences of the South African public health community in its fight against MDR TB, and to draw lessons regarding best practices and novel approaches that can be applied both within and beyond the country.

Over 20 expert papers will be presented at this workshop [which be will attended by both national and international experts]. The focus of the presentations will be on:

  1. epidemiology;
  2. diagnostic & preventive therapies;
  3. treatment;
  4. transmission & infection control;
  5. paediatric TB;
  6. health economics & policy.

Proceedings of the workshop will be published and disseminated globally.

Tuberculosis [TB] is today one of the leading causes of death in the world, approximately 4500 people die daily from the disease. Although many cases of TB can be cured by available antibiotics, MDR TB is a major threat worldwide. Strains of TB resistant to even the second line therapies, i.e. extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis [XDR TB] are documented in over 50 countries, including the US, and we are seeing the emergence of strains that are fully resistant to treatment. And while the epidemic of TB is still primarily centered in the developing world, the reach of MDR TB extends to every continent, including both rich and poor countries.

The global battle against TB, once thought won is today very real.

Welcome, Zarina! February 16, 2010

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Zarina Moola

ASSAf is proud to have a new member on the team – Zarina Moola. Zarina has taken the position of Project Officer, focussing specifically on the Low Carbon Cities Project, and the Water Project.

Born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, Zarina completed her BSc (Hons) in Environmental Management at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2006.

She then worked as an intern at GroundWork, a non-governmental organisation based in that province, where she conducted research on landfill sites in South Africa.

Thereafter she pursued a MSc in Environmental Management, focusing on forecasting GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions for the City of Durban. During this time, she also worked as a climate change intern at Golder Associates, working specifically on energy and carbon-related projects. Zarina is passionate about nature and the environment.

Welcome, Zarina – we hope that you will be very happy with us!