UNITED AGAINST MALARIA

WHAT: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Center for Global Health at George Washington University (GWU) cordially invite members of the media to attend the Malaria in the Americas Forum: Overcoming the Challenges of a Borderless Disease, in commemoration of Malaria Day in the Americas, Nov. 6th. Featured speakers will center their discussion on three main topics for this year’s commemoration, as follows:

• Climate Change and Malaria
• Borders and Health Diplomacy
• Lessons Learned and Future Needs for Malaria Control
  

WHEN: Thursday, November 6, 2008 9AM to 12:30 PM

WHERE: Room B, Pan American Health Organization Regional Headquarters, in Washington, D. C. 525 Twenty-Third Street, NW Washington, D. C. 20037

PAHO is located just four blocks from the Foggy Bottom/GW metro station. 

WHO: The Malaria in the Americas Forum will be moderated by Dr. Jim Sherry, Director and Department Chair, Center for Global Health (George Washington University).

The Welcome Address will be delivered by Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Area manager, Health Surveillance and Disease Prevention and Control (PAHO).

Following a brief documentary, the forum will feature the following speakers:

Climate Change and Malaria
Dr. Stephen Connor, Director, Environmental Monitoring Program and PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center on Climate Sensitive Diseases, The International Research Institute for Climate and Society, The Earth Institute at Columbia University

Dr. Matthew Lynch, Vice Chair, Roll Back Malaria Partnership Board and Program Director, Global Program on Malaria at Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs

Borders and Health Diplomacy
Dr. Trenton Ruebush, Senior Malaria Advisor, United States Agency for International Development 

The Honorable Izben C. Williams, Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to The United States of America and The Organization of American States

Lessons Learned and Future Needs
Dr. Keith Carter, Regional Advisor on Malaria, Communicable Diseases (PAHO)

Dr. David Smith, Associate Director for Disease Ecology, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida

NOTE:

Every year around 250 million people are inflicted with malaria, which results in approximately 1 million deaths worldwide. In an effort to broaden the discussion and maximize the opportunity to understand the multifaceted nature of battling malaria, we kindly request that you share this invitation among fellow colleagues, stakeholders, peers, students and faculty. The event is open to the public. However, we strongly suggest that you RSVP at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with your name, designation and organization.

Discussions will address:

•  Severe implications for the fight against malaria posed by projected climate change
• Insights on the multi-level processes needed to shape and manage the global policy environment surrounding malaria
• Up to date information on malaria control in the Americas, with a range of field realities, lessons learned and best practices around the world to help build a consensus on the way forward
  

For more information on Malaria Day in the Americas 2008 or details of commemoration activities being observed in other countries (including the Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Jamaica, Guyana and Peru) please visit: http://www.paho.org/english/ad/dpc/cd/mal-day-08.htm.

PAHO, founded in 1902, works with all the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of their peoples. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO).