This Conference

Background

Sibu, Sarawak, is a vibrant town along the rivers of the mighty Rejang River, Malaysia’s longest river. Originating in the highlands of Borneo, the Rejang River stretches over 500 kilometers, carving its way through dense tropical rainforests from the heart of Sarawak to the South China Sea. This dynamic interplay between the river, the rainforest, and the people of Sibu creates a unique ecological and cultural landscape. However, it also fosters an environment where zoonotic and tropical diseases thrive, making Sibu a focal point for understanding and addressing these health challenges.

The region’s health facilities are at the forefront of managing various infectious diseases, including Rabies, Dengue, Knowlesi malaria, Melioidosis, and other emerging and re-emerging pathogens. The close relationship between the local population and their natural surroundings underscores the importance of a One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to tackle these complex diseases effectively.

Strategically located in the heart of Sarawak, Sibu is an ideal venue for this conference. It provides a platform for experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge, strategies, and innovations in the treatment, prevention, and control of zoonotic and tropical diseases. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, this conference aims to improve public health outcomes not only in Sarawak but also in other regions facing similar challenges.

Tropical diseases are diverse and widespread, with some being well-documented and others remaining neglected or under-researched. While diseases like Dengue and Malaria frequently capture attention, many others, such as Leptospirosis, Chikungunya, and soil-transmitted helminth infections, receive less focus despite their significant impact on vulnerable populations. This conference seeks to address these gaps by highlighting the importance of research, policy development, and community engagement in combating both common and neglected tropical diseases.

By convening in Sibu, we are not only acknowledging the region’s unique position as a hotspot for tropical diseases but also embracing the opportunity to learn from its experiences and innovations. Together, we can work towards a future where the burden of these diseases is reduced, and the health and well-being of communities in Sarawak and beyond are safeguarded.

Zoonotic and Neglected Tropical Diseases

1. Key Updates on Zoonotic Diseases

a) COVID-19 and Beyond

• • • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, highlighted the critical importance of understanding zoonotic spillover events. Research continues to focus on identifying high-risk animal reservoirs and preventing future pandemics.
    • The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners are strengthening global surveillance systems through initiatives like the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health.

b. Emerging Zoonotic Threats

• • • Mpox (formerly Monkeypox): In 2022-2023, a global outbreak of mpox underscored the potential for zoonotic viruses to spread rapidly. Vaccination campaigns and public health measures have since controlled the outbreak, but vigilance remains essential.
    • Avian Influenza (H5N1): Recent outbreaks in poultry and sporadic human cases have raised concerns about the potential for a more transmissible strain. Enhanced biosecurity and monitoring are critical.

c) Climate Change and Zoonoses:

• • • Climate change is altering the distribution of disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks) and animal reservoirs, increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases like Lyme disease, dengue, and Zika virus. Adaptation strategies are being developed to mitigate these risks.

2. Progress in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

WHO Roadmap for NTDs (2021-2030). The WHO launched an ambitious roadmap to eliminate or control 20 NTDs by 2030. Key targets include eliminating diseases like dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) and yaws, and reducing the burden of schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and trachoma.

3. One Health Approach: Bridging Zoonotic and NTD Efforts

The One Health framework is increasingly recognized as essential for addressing both zoonotic diseases and NTDs. By fostering collaboration across human, animal, and environmental sectors, this approach aims to:

• • • Improve disease surveillance and early detection.
    • Reduce the risk of zoonotic spillover.
    • Address the environmental drivers of disease transmission.

4. Future Directions

a) Research and Development:

Increased funding for research into zoonotic diseases and NTDs is critical. Promising areas include vaccine development, rapid diagnostics, and novel therapeutics.

b) Community Engagement

 Empowering local communities through education and participation in disease control programs is essential for sustainable progress.

c) Global Collaboration:

 Strengthening international partnerships and funding mechanisms, such as the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, will be key to achieving global health goals.

Our Theme

“ Advancing Knowledge and Bridging Gap Against Zoonotic and Neglected Tropical Diseases”

The theme is highly relevant for this conference as it encapsulates the urgent need to address two critical challenges in global health: the growing threat of zoonotic diseases and the persistent burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). It  emphasizes the importance of advancing scientific knowledge, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and bridging gaps in research, policy, and healthcare delivery. By doing so, the conference aims to strengthen global efforts to prevent, control, and eliminate these diseases, ultimately improving health equity and outcomes for vulnerable populations in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Objectives of this conference

1. To raise awareness and enhance understanding among healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and the general public about the global and regional burden of zoonotic and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs
2. To facilitate the exchange of cutting-edge research, best practices, and evidence-based strategies among international and local experts for the prevention, control, and treatment of zoonotic and neglected tropical diseases
3. To provide a dynamic platform for networking, collaboration, and partnership-building among healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the field of zoonotic and neglected tropical diseases
4. To advocate for increased political commitment, resource mobilization, and policy development to combat zoonotic and neglected tropical diseases in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond
5. To inspire innovation and foster the development of sustainable solutions for the prevention and control of zoonotic and neglected tropical diseases

Who should attend

The conference will provide opportunity to various, scientists, doctors and researchers from all over the world to come at one place and become helpful in providing latest advances in the field of Medicine, Diseases, Public Health, healthcare and to exchange scientific ideas and experiences in a distinctive environment. This conference should be of interest to the following group of professionals:

• Clinical and Public Health Specialists
• Doctors
• Researchers
• Academicians
• Nurses and Assistant Medical Officers
• Allied Health Professionals
• Veterinarians
• Pharmacists
• Policy makers

The programme

The 3-day packed conference will offer the following scientific sessions:

• 1 Keynote address
• 7 Plenary sessions
• 9 Specialty symposiums
• Free papers (oral and Poster presentation)