ToT at Delhi.
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.