It gives me immense pleasure to inform you all that a very successful National ToT for ‘How Do I Manage’ was conducted at Delhi where more than 40 members from across the country were trained in this module as "Regional Trainers" and the module is being rolled out for the branches of IAP.

Friends, I was always fascinated by ADVAC Course on Vaccinology of France, as vaccines are very close to my heart. Though such courses are conducted by CMC Vellore and by CHF-INCLEN in past, I wanted this type of course by the IAP and for the IAP. I am delighted to inform you that IAP under it’s Presidential Action Plan is going to hold 40 hours online and 16 hours physical training program at Bangalore on 22-23 September 2012 under the program directorship of Dr Naveen Thacker. We are thankful and acknowledge the scientific material contributed by Dr Anu Bose of INDVAC, CMC Vellore and CHF–INCLEN. Forty applicants after screening of their merit have been registered for this course to be trained. After the training they will be designated as qualified vaccinologists of IAP. Second such course is due to be held at Delhi in the month of December 2012. We are thankful to M/s Sanofi for the scientific grant for this very ambitious project.

It is ironical that in this era of easy vaccine availability, millions of children either die or get disabled for either want of vaccines or optimal and rational use of vaccines. Out of 7.6 million under-5 mortality across the globe, more that 50% deaths are due to VPDs, which can be prevented by vaccines. Should we strive to achieve MDG4, we need to curb deaths due to VPDs. This was the conceptuality of "National Vaccicon ToT" recently held at Mumbai where more than 300 IAPians across the country were trained in advances, research and recent development in the field of vaccines, addressed by distinguished national and international guest faculty. Involvement of Government of India in this ToT is indeed a proud privilege for IAP. Smt Anuradha Gupta, Additional Secretary and Mission Director NRHM, MOHFW, Government of India was the Chief Guest and also a distinguished guest faculty. She inaugurated the ToT and addressed the gathering and also to the press and media. She appraised how MDG4 could be achieved through proactive stand and rational approach through vaccines and few other strategies. She was of course a star speaker applauded by one and all. The other dignitary Dr. Ajay Khera, Deputy Commissioner, Child Health and Immunization, Government of India graced the occasion as Guest of Honor and addressed the house over issues and challenges in Immunization in both government and private sector. National Vaccicon ToT was a huge success on all parameters and Central IAP Office is flooded with congratulatory and complimentary messages. We are all thankful to the vaccine manufacturers viz. GSK, MSD, Sanofi and Wyeth- Pfizer for their magnanimous scientific grant and more importantly for their non-interference, non-influence in the science. Friends, the office bearers of Central IAP have decided to donate surplus if any, from this ToT to the smaller branches of IAP to conduct such activities on vaccines in their areas.

Wishing you all happy festivity of Eid, Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi. I remain in your academic services.