Global conference focus: maternal and child health, infections in animals that threaten humans

On March 28, renowned researchers from around the globe will gather in St. Louis to discuss maternal and child health and infections in animals that threaten humans.

These topics will be highlighted at the second annual conference of the Washington University Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease. It will be at the Eric P. Newman Education Center on the Medical Campus and is open to all. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required by March 14.

“We are thrilled to host this year’s global health and infectious disease conference,” said William Powderly, MD, the J. William Campbell
Professor of Medicine, co-director of the Division for Infectious Diseases and director of the Institute for Public Health. “We hope that the outstanding lineup of speakers, combined with a panel discussion and poster session, will make for a lively and worthwhile event for our students, faculty and anyone else interested in these vital issues.”

A diverse lineup of presenters includes leaders from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Emory University, University of Washington, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Washington University. View the full list of speakers here.

A range of topics will be discussed, including:

• The global epidemic of preterm birth;
• Emerging microbial threats;
• New treatments for malaria;
• Parasitic infections during pregnancy; and
• The role of zoos in the “One Health” movement

A panel discussion, a poster session and networking opportunities also will be included.

In addition, students and junior investigators will present their global health and infectious disease work at a trainee oral symposium March 27, in Holden Auditorium at the Farrell Learning and Teaching Center on the Medical Campus.

The conference is co-sponsored by the Institute for Public Health and the departments of Medicine, Molecular Microbiology, and Pathology and Immunology at the School of Medicine.