Knowledge Exchange

Speaker: Fatima Hassan, Founder, Health Justice Initiative, South Africa

Facilitated by Teresa L. Schraeder, M.D.
Produced by Amador (Tino) Delamerced, B.A.

Abstract: Three billion people worldwide have not received a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine. While the majority of citizens in several wealthy countries are fully vaccinated, low- and middle-resourced countries have the lowest rates of vaccination. The average vaccination rate of all African countries is 15 percent. Some countries on the African continent have only single digit vaccination rates and only a minority of their health care workers are fully vaccinated. The World Health Organization has pushed to prioritize first doses for the unvaccinated before extra boosters for wealthy countries.

Fatima Hassan, human rights lawyer and activist, is the director of the Health Justice Initiative in South Africa. She is working to increase access to vaccinations, testing, and treatment for all countries with a particular emphasis on the southern hemisphere.

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Speakers:

• Professor Jennifer Hoy, Australia
               • What’s New in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
• Associate Professor Iskandar Azwa, Malaysia
               • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Updates
• Dr. Rayner Tan, Singapore
               • HIV Stigma in Healthcare Settings

Chair: Professor Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Malaysia
Co-Chair: Dr. Seif Al-Abri, Oman

Abstract: This session will review the progress for HIV treatment expansion on a global scale, timing of initiation of antiretroviral therapy and will provide updates on pre-exposure prophylaxis. Researchers will present data with associated outcomes on recent interventions that identify and provide treatment and prevention programs to at risk populations residing in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, attention will be devoted to HIV related stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings and how to provide equitable access to HIV prevention and care.

*This webinar is in collaboration with the International AIDS Society (IAS).

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Speakers:

• Professor Cameron Simmons, Australia
               • Innovations in Vector Control Strategies
• Associate Professor Rachel Lowe, United Kingdom
               • Global Environmental Change and Dengue Outbreak Preparedness
• Professor Lucy Lum, Malaysia
               • A Strategic Approach to Dengue Management

Chair: Professor Athanase Badolo, Burkina Faso
Co-Chair: Dr. Veasna Duong, Cambodia

Abstract: The number of people affected by mosquito-borne diseases is rapidly growing. In recent years, population growth, climate change, increase in international travel, and the movement of people from rural areas to cities have all increased the spread of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization, the global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades. Currently, about half of the world's population is at risk for dengue and recent studies estimate that up to 90% of the global population could be at risk by the end of this century. The predicted expansion of vectors towards higher altitudes and temperate regions suggests that dengue outbreaks will occur in areas where people might be immunologically naive and public health systems unprepared. During this session, experts will discuss new modeling studies that forecast the global distribution of Aedes aegypti and the drivers of the expanded reach such as climate change and urbanization. They will discuss updates in the clinical management of dengue outbreaks and highlight recent innovations in vector control strategies such as the deployment of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes.

*This webinar is supported by an Unrestricted Educational Grant from Takeda.

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Speakers:

• Professor Lulu Bravo, Philippines
• Professor Francois Venter, South Africa

Moderators:

• Professor Alison Holmes, United Kingdom
• Professor Paul Tambyah, Singapore
• Dr. Afreenish Amir, Pakistan

Abstract: With the world’s attention and resources focused towards COVID-19 prevention and response efforts, we have witnessed widespread disruptions to HIV, TB and malaria service delivery programs globally with shortages in medical supplies, treatments and diagnostics. As observed during previous crises, the indirect morbidity and mortality effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may be as important as the direct effects of the pandemic itself. Existing infectious diseases management and prevention programs have been hit by lockdowns, changing funding priorities and re-allocation of staff and resources. This webinar is a follow up to the webinar published on October 7, 2020, when Lulu Bravo and Francois Venter discussed COVID-19’s early impact on childhood vaccinations and the provision of TB and HIV care during the evolving pandemic. Much data has been collected and analyzed since then to better understand the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevention and management of communicable diseases.

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Speakers:

• Sade Ogunsola, Nigeria
• Andrew Whitelaw, South Africa
• Winnie Nambatya, Uganda
• Ibrahim Mugerwa, Uganda

Facilitated by Teresa L. Schraeder, M.D.
Produced by Amador (Tino) Delamerced, B.A.

Learning Objectives:

• Review the global threat of antimicrobial resistance
• Learn about antimicrobial stewardship in low- and moderate-resourced countries
• Evaluate importance of microbiology labs in clinical settings
• Review obstacles and solutions for antibiotic stewardship programs in various countries

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Speakers:

• Dr. Sadia Shakoor, Pakistan

• Dr. Basista Rijal, Nepal

Facilitated by Teresa L. Schraeder, M.D.

Produced by Amador (Tino) Delamerced, B.A.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how clinical microbiologists help antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) in limited resource settings
• Review the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low- and middle-income countries (LIMC)
• Examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on resource-limited settings
• Review the microbiologists' many roles, from pathogen identification and hospital infection control to vaccine development and public health care practitioner

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Speakers:

• Dr. Gabriel Levy Hara, Argentina

• Pharmacist Angeliki Messina, South Africa

Facilitated by Teresa L. Schraeder, M.D.

Produced by Amador (Tino) Delamerced, B.A.

Learning Objectives: 

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Speakers:

• Professor Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Malaysia

• Associate Professor Nada Melhem, Lebanon

Facilitated by Teresa L. Schraeder, M.D.

Produced by Amador (Tino) Delamerced, B.A.

Abstract: In the past forty years of the AIDS pandemic, 80 million people were infected, 36 million died and nearly 38 million people are living with HIV today.

In this podcast you will:

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Speakers:

• Dr. Marjorie Pollack, Deputy Editor of ProMED, USA

• Dr. Latiffah Hassan, Co-Chair IMED 2021, Malaysia

• Dr. Britta Lassmann, Co-Chair IMED 2021, USA

Facilitated by Teresa L. Schraeder, M.D.

Produced by Amador (Tino) Delamerced, B.A.

Abstract: The 8^th IMED focused its attention on COVID-19 through a One Health lens. It included talks by WHO's Maria Van Kerkhove in Switzerland, Lin-fa Wang from Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, and many others. IMED 2021 drew attendees from more than 95 countries worldwide. Speakers presented on topics including the origins and evolution of SARS-CoV-2; vaccine efficacy, longevity and next generation development; climate change and infectious diseases; data sharing, transparency and cooperation; surveillance; scientific illiteracy, social media and politics; and how best to predict and prepare for the next pandemic.

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Speaker: Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Switzerland

Chair: Dr. Marjorie Pollack, ProMED Deputy Editor, USA

Abstract: COVID-19 - How Far Have We Come, and Where Do We Go? - Featuring Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization's technical lead on the coronavirus pandemic. This talk will cover the global epidemiological situation and the drivers of global trends, the World Health Organization’s comprehensive strategy for coordinated public health action, possible trajectories for the current phase of the pandemic, and what it will take to return to a new normal.

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Speakers:

• Professor Eskild Petersen, Denmark

• Professor Cecilia Maramba-Lazarte, Phillippines

• Dr. Rosemary Olivero, USA

Facilitated by Teresa L. Schraeder, M.D.

Produced by Amador (Tino) Delamerced, B.A.

Abstract: This podcast will provide a review of available epidemiologic reporting data for pediatric COVID cases. We will also address the issues of vaccination within different age groups, testing and immunity. Physiologic reactions – which can be much different than in adults – severity and the specific impact of the Delta variant will be discussed.

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Speakers:

• Professor Shabir Madhi, South Africa

• Professor Andrew Pollard, UK

Moderator: Professor Neelika Malavige, ISID Executive Committee, Sri Lanka

Abstract: As COVID-19 variants continue to emerge and spread globally, ISID is pleased to provide an expert panel to discuss latest developments. This webinar will continue our review of the COVID-19 pandemic by examining how SARS-CoV-2 has mutated, the different variants - including delta and lambda - and the impact on fragile, or at risk communities. Special consideration will be given to the paediatric population. We shall also discuss the impact of these variants on the efficacy of current vaccines and how to prevent the emergence of future variants.

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Speakers:

•  Professor Eskild Petersen, Editor-in-Chief of the IJID, Denmark

•  Professor Michael Baker, Professor of Public Health, New Zealand

Facilitated by Teresa L. Schraeder, M.D.

Produced by Amador (Tino) Delamerced, B.A.

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Speakers:

• Dr. Anthony Fiore, MPH, USA

• Professor Paul Tambyah, Singapore

Moderators:

• Professor Marc Mendelson, ISID Past President, South Africa

• Dr. Afreenish Amir, ISID Emerging Leader, Pakistan

Abstract: 

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest global health threats. Antibiotics are becoming increasingly ineffective as drug-resistance spreads leading to more difficult to treat infections. Fighting this threat is a public health priority that requires a collaborative global approach across sectors. Controlling AMR demands improvements in infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and antimicrobial discovery. A powerful measure to reduce the use of antimicrobials, and hence development of resistance, is to prevent the occurrence of infections. Vaccines can impact AMR in two ways. Vaccines can reduce or eliminate the risk of infection due to antibiotic-resistant strains, for example pneumococcal vaccine. Vaccines can also have a secondary effect on AMR by preventing antibiotic use by reducing the rates of viral febrile illness episodes and the likelihood of secondary bacterial infections following the prevented episode. Viral infections are a strong driver of use and misuse of antibiotics and vaccines are an impactful and effective public health measure for the prevention of many viral infections. Single or combination vaccines may ultimately result in synergistic effects on decreasing antimicrobial use and therefore resistance. In this way, vaccines targeting viral illnesses become a tool to reinforce policies of antibiotic stewardship. WHO has developed a strategy to articulate the role of vaccines against AMR and an action framework that describes a vision for vaccines to contribute fully, sustainably and equitably to the prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance by preventing infections and reducing antimicrobial use. During this webinar, speakers will discuss how vaccines targeting viral illnesses contribute to the battle against AMR by preventing infections and by reducing antimicrobial use.

*This webinar is supported by an Unrestricted Educational Grant from Sanofi Pasteur.

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Speakers:

•  Professor Eskild Petersen, Editor-in-Chief of the IJID, Denmark

•  Associate Professor Lin Chen, Harvard Medical School, USA

Facilitated by Teresa L. Schraeder, M.D.

Produced by Amador (Tino) Delamerced, B.A.

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Speakers:

•  Professor Eskild Petersen, Editor-in-Chief of the IJID, Denmark

•  Professor Shui Shan Lee, Associate Editor, Hong Kong

Facilitated by Teresa L. Schraeder, M.D.

Produced by Amador (Tino) Delamerced, B.A.

Description:

The learning objectives of this podcast are:

1. Learn more about the International Journal of Infectious Diseases (IJID)

2. Review important instructions for authors

3. Highlight specific lessons for research and writing

4. Discuss common mistakes in submitting a manuscript

* This podcast is supported by an Unrestricted Educational Grant from Pfizer. 

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Presentando:

• Professor Alfonso Rodriguez-Morales, Technological University of Pereira, Colombia

• Unusual Presentations

• Professor Bridget Wills, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Vietnam

• Clinical Management - Innovations and Controversies

Moderado por:

• Professor Neelika Malavige, ISID Executive Committee, Sri Lanka

• Dr. Laura Talarico, ISID Emerging Leader, Argentina

Descripción: El dengue es una de las enfermedades virales transmitidas por mosquitos más comunes en todo el mundo. El dengue causa un amplio espectro de enfermedades que van desde enfermedades subclínicas hasta síntomas graves similares a los de la gripe en las personas infectadas. En la actualidad, el dengue grave afecta a la mayoría de los países de Asia y América Latina y se ha convertido en una de las principales causas de hospitalización y muerte entre niños y adultos en estas regiones. Los síntomas y los hallazgos de laboratorio similares entre el dengue y la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) pueden representar un desafío para el diagnóstico en los países donde el dengue es endémico. Los oradores discutirán el uso de diagnósticos con un enfoque en la implementación en regiones endémicas y presentarán innovaciones y controversias en el manejo clínico del dengue severo, incluido el uso de terapias novedosas. Los oradores también destacarán los desafíos de las presentaciones inusuales que ahora se ven con mayor frecuencia, incluido el daño orgánico específico inducido por el dengue no relacionado con el shock, como la enfermedad hepática o la encefalitis, y las presentaciones en los ancianos.

* Este seminario web está financiado por una beca educativa sin restricciones de Takeda.

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Speakers:

• Professor Alfonso Rodriguez-Morales, Technological University of Pereira, Colombia

• Unusual Presentations

• Professor Bridget Wills, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Vietnam

• Clinical Management - Innovations and Controversies

Moderators:

• Professor Neelika Malavige, ISID Executive Committee, Sri Lanka

• Dr. Laura Talarico, ISID Emerging Leader, Argentina

Abstract: Dengue is one of the most common mosquito-borne viral illnesses worldwide. Dengue causes a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from subclinical disease to severe flu-like symptoms in those infected. Today, severe dengue affects most Asian and Latin American countries and has become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children and adults in these regions. Similar symptoms and laboratory findings between dengue and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can pose a diagnostic challenge in dengue-endemic countries. Speakers will discuss the use of diagnostics with a focus on implementation in endemic regions and present innovations and controversies in the clinical management of severe dengue, including the use of novel therapeutics. Speakers will also highlight the challenges of unusual presentations that are now seen in higher frequency including Dengue-induced organ-specific damage unrelated to shock such as liver disease or encephalitis and presentations in the elderly.

*This webinar is supported by an Unrestricted Educational Grant from Takeda.

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Speakers:

• Dr. Mirfin Mpundu, Director, ReAct Africa, Zambia

• Successful Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Resource-Constrained Settings

• Dr. Manica Balasegaram, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Switzerland

• Introducing New Antimicrobials for Multi-drug Resistant Pathogens in High Endemic Settings

Moderators:

• Professor Alison Holmes, President, ISID, United Kingdom

• Dr. Esmita Charani, ISID Emerging Leader, United Kingdom

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health accelerated, in part, by the misuse of antibiotics. The lack of access to antibiotics in resource constrained settings continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality, while the overuse of antibiotics accelerates the global spread of drug resistant organisms. It is critical to ensure access to appropriate antimicrobials while measuring and improving prescribing practices of clinicians and use by patients. During this webinar, speakers will address the unique challenges of successfully implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in resource constrained settings to optimize clinical outcomes while minimizing unintended consequences of antimicrobial use such as: toxicity, selection of pathogenic organisms (Clostridioides difficile), and the emergence of resistance. They will discuss the introduction of new antimicrobials in high-endemic settings and ways to ensure these treatments are available to those in need while also using them sparingly to limit the development of drug resistance.

*This webinar is supported with an Unrestricted Educational Grant from bioMérieux.

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Speakers:

• Professor Thuy Le, Duke University, United States

• Talaromyces marneffei

• Professor Henry Mwandumba, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Malawi

• Cryptococcus neoformans

Moderators:

• Professor William Hope, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom

• Professor Sophie Yacoub, ISID Emerging Leader, Vietnam

Abstract: The aim of implementing an antifungal stewardship program is to optimize the use of antifungal drugs to achieve the best outcomes while minimizing adverse events and the emergence of resistance. Antifungal stewardship is less established than antibacterial stewardship because of a narrower and more complex evidence base along with fewer available drugs. Moreover, the diagnosis of fungal infections can be complex with an urgent need for reliable noninvasive and rapid diagnostic tests that can be used across different resource levels. During this session, experts will provide updates on the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention strategies for Cryptococcus neoformans and Talaromyces marneffei (formerly Penicillium marneffei), both important opportunistic pathogens in patients with AIDS and other immunosuppressive conditions. Focus will be on diagnostic options and treatment and prevention strategies in areas with highest burden of disease, from Southeast Asia to southern China and sub-Saharan Africa.

*This webinar is supported with an Unrestricted Educational Grant from bioMérieux.

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Introduction:

• Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy, AMR

Speakers:

• Dr. Ghassan Matar, Lebanon

• Dr. Sophie Bowman-Derrick, Australia

• Mr. Emmanuel Benyeogor, Nigeria

Moderator:

• Dr. Matt Levison, Chair, United States

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine. Often referred to as the ‘slow-burning pandemic’, AMR is estimated to cause 700,000 deaths annually. This statistic does not consider deaths among animals and the impact AMR has on our food system and the environment. To preserve the effectiveness of these therapies, we must change our use behaviors to limit the unnecessary use of these treatments. This webinar highlights the universal challenge of AMR and shines a light on critical issues that must be addressed quickly. Attendees will hear from experts in the AMR field, and user-submitted questions will be answered by AMR experts who operate the ProMED-AMR infectious disease surveillance network. Specific topics addressed throughout the presentation include the global impact of AMR, AMR and the One Health Paradigm, AMR in the veterinary community, AMR surveillance, and AMR in the era of ‘big data.

*This event is made possible with the support of Public Health England (PHE). 

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Speakers:

• Professor Ann Falsey, Professor of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, New York, United States

• The Global Burden of Influenza Morbidity and Mortality

• Professor Bruno Lina, Professor of Virology, Lyon, France

• The Impact of COVID-19 on Influenza Surveillance and Transmission 

• Professor Zamberi Sekawi, ISID Executive Committee Member, Malaysia

• The Impact of Influenza Vaccines on Public Health

Moderators:

• Professor Patricio Acosta, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez - CONICET, Argentina

• Dr. Therese Umuhoza, ProMED Moderator, Rwanda

Abstract: WHO estimates that seasonal influenza may result in 290,000 – 650,000 deaths each year due to respiratory diseases alone. This estimate does not take into account deaths from other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, which can be influenza-related. Surveillance and laboratory studies of all influenza-related diseases are ongoing and are expected to reveal substantially higher estimates of disease burden. Webinar attendees will engage with experts who will provide updates on global influenza surveillance efforts and estimated burden of disease. They will discuss the importance of country-level influenza estimates to inform national and global preparedness, prevention and control efforts and will highlight remaining gaps. The clinical, social, and economic advances gained from expanded access and uptake of influenza vaccines will be addressed and the lack of reliable data on the possible impact of vaccination among specific high-risk groups will be highlighted.  

The full impact of COVID-19 and non-pharmaceutical interventions on seasonal influenza remains to be determined. Experts will discuss questions around the impact of COVID-19 on influenza surveillance, the role of genomic sequencing for influenza surveillance as a way to better understand disease spread and improve prevention efforts and what to expect during the next influenza season.

*This webinar is supported by an Unrestricted Educational Grant from Sanofi Pasteur.

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Speakers:

• Dr. Brenda Kwambana-Adams, Research Associate, Division of Infection & Immunity, University College, London, United Kingdom

• Equitable and Sustainable Access to Meningococcal Vaccines

• Professor Marco A. Safadi, Head, Department of Pediatrics, Santa Casa de São Paulo, Brazil

• Atypical Presentations and the Impact of COVID-19

Moderators:

• Professor Rob Heyderman, ISID Executive Committee Member, UK

• Dr. Christina Obiero, ISID Emerging Leader, Kenya

Abstract:

Meningococcal meningitis is a devastating disease with high mortality and long-term sequelae even in successfully managed cases. Although the burden of disease is greatest in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa, meningitis is a world-wide threat. Recent epidemics in Liberia, Nigeria, Togo, Niger, Guinea, Kyrgyzstan, Fiji and Chile and the spread of some virulent strains across the world has emphasized the need for a global approach to surveillance and prevention.

In this session, experts will discuss the urgent need for improved monitoring of invasive meningococcal disease and sequelae globally, will discuss the use of whole genome sequencing, strain typing and rapid diagnostics to better understand outbreak epidemiology and burden of disease and will provide updates on the emergence of new clones and hypervirulent strains. They will review WHO’s recently released Defeating Meningitis by 2030 Global Roadmap and what it will take to make vaccines widely available in low- and middle-income countries.

The clinical presentations of meningococcal disease can vary. Recent observations suggest that certain serogroups may present with atypical signs and symptoms such as acute gastrointestinal symptoms, septic arthritis, bacteremic pneumonia or severe upper respiratory infection. Experts will discuss atypical clinical presentations which can be associated with higher case fatality rates and misdiagnoses. The immediate and longer-term impact of COVID-19 on meningococcal disease and meningococcal vaccine schedules is currently unclear and needs to be determined.

*This webinar is supported by an Unrestricted Educational Grant from Sanofi Pasteur.

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Speakers: Assistant Professor Michelle Doll, Professor Shaheen Mehtar, Professor Ziad Memish, Professor Victor Rosenthal, Professor Mike Stevens, Professor Sade Ogunsola

Moderator: Professor Gonzalo Bearman

Abstract: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted both challenges and opportunities for infection control practices at healthcare facilities around the globe. In this moderated discussion, infection prevention and control experts will describe how they responded to the pandemic and what they did to quickly adapt existing healthcare protocols. Speakers will describe how these approaches and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic can help us better prepare for future outbreaks. Questions addressed during this webinar will include: Will the re-use of personal protective equipment become standard practice in the future? What can we expect in terms of face mask requirements over the next few years? How can surveillance, reporting and laboratory structures established during the pandemic be maintained in the future?

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With generous support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ISID presents research selected for presentation at the 19th International Congress on Infectious Diseases (ICID). This collection of ePosters reflects the contributions of early-career investigators working to advance our understanding of infectious disease challenges in low-resource settings. These studies were selected from over 1,900 abstracts due to their quality and the valuable knowledge they add to the field of infectious diseases. With topics ranging from antimicrobial resistance, disease surveillance, HIV situational assessments, metagenomics, arboviruses, and public health epidemiology, there is something to engage all interests. As you interact with these ePosters, please feel free to leave a comment or question for the researchers.

Check Out the ePosters