Purpose & objectives of the meeting

Elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2030 in all endemic countries, requires long-term investment, implementation of new strategies and strong country ownership and commitment. Encouraged by reports of falling prevalence in many countries, it is timely to pause and celebrate ongoing work and consider some of the exciting developments and work in progress that will help us reach the elimination targets.

This one-day meeting will explore how WHO policies and guidelines are providing the stimulus for countries to advance with their control and elimination programmes and will provide examples of how countries are monitoring disease, implementing control interventions and integrating schistosomiasis treatments into health services. The complexity of transmission of this water borne disease means cross cutting activities between different sectors such as water development, agriculture and health are an absolute must, and progress in this area will be illustrated by recent studies. Research is providing new tools with the potential to enhance schistosomiasis control, and some of the exciting advances relating to diagnosis, drug resistance and vaccines will be highlighted.

The meeting will undoubtedly stimulate discussion, key points that we hope will be covered include:

• Can schistosomiasis treatment be better integrated into existing health systems?

• What lessons have been learnt by countries approaching elimination and how can elimination efforts be sustained?

• Will recent innovations involving diverse partnerships contribute to new solutions and redefine best practices?

The aim of this meeting is to foster greater collaboration, coordination and communication across schistosomiasis implementation and research and development practitioners, and to recognise the progress being made.

The meeting will be held at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago, USA.

Agenda

* Timings are provisional and may change.

Click to download agenda in English in PDF version.

Télécharger la description et l'ordre du jour de la réunion en français ici.