African Leprosy Congress

Johannesburg [Midrand] South Africa

31st January – 3rd February 2005

www.wits.ac.za/leprosy

Dear Colleague

Greetings.

We are experiencing exciting times in our fight against leprosy. Africa has made great progress toward conquering the disease, but there are still challenges to meet before we see a totally leprosy free Africa.

The International Leprosy Association is planning a regional African Leprosy Congress at Midrand north of Johannesburg, South Africa from 31st January to 3rd February 2005.

The Congress will bring together leprosy workers and scientists fighting the disease in Africa and from elsewhere. The purpose is to exchange information both scientific and operational, to accelerate progress towards the elimination of the disease and to ensure that the legitimate needs of leprosy-affected persons are met both in humanitarian and rehabilitation terms. The congress is planned to be co-organised by the government of South Africa and co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation [WHO] and the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations [ILEP].

We cordially invite you to participate in the Congress and share your experiences in the fight against leprosy.

Dr C S Walter Dr S K Noordeen
Secretary, ILA President, ILA

Conference Details

1. Dates: 31st January – 3rd February 2005
2. Venue: Eskom Convention Centre, Midrand, north of Johannesburg, South Africa
3. Languages: English, French and Portuguese - Interpretation services will only be available during the plenary sessions

4. Objectives
a. To bring together leprosy workers from Africa and elsewhere to discuss technical and scientific issues including those relating to progress in leprosy control and elimination on the continent

b. To exchange information and experiences
c. To increase the commitment and motivation of participants toward anti-leprosy work
5. Format: Invited lectures, symposia, free presentations [Oral and Poster]
6. Programme

09h00-10h00 10h30-12h30 13h30-15h30 16h00-18h00
31 Jan 05 Registration Inauguration& Keynote Session I Session II
1 Feb 05 Lecture I Symposium I Session III Session IV
2 Feb 05 Lecture II Symposium II Session V Session VI
3 Feb 05 Lecture III Symposium III & Concluding Session

Number of papers expected in open sessions: 75
Expected number of poster presentations: 50
7. Sessions
Six open sessions for free presentations covering Epidemiology, Control and Elimination, Clinical aspects, Rehabilitation and Basic Sciences.

Three invited lectures covering Molecular Biology, Prevention of Deformities and Leprosy Elimination.

Three symposia covering changing leprosy scenarios in Africa, Reaching the Unreached and Social and Rehabilitation issues.

8. Registration
Closing date for registration: 29th October 2004
Closing date for receipt of abstracts: 29th October 2004
Closing date for late registration: 31st December 2004
9. Registration package
· Four nights’ economy accommodation
· All meals for four days: Commencing with dinner on 30th January and ending with lunch on 3rd February 2005. Lunch will be provided for delegates who arrive on early morning flights at Johannesburg International Airport on 30th January.

· Transport to and from Johannesburg International Airport.
· Registration kit
· Documentation
All other costs such as phone calls and bar service are for the personal account of the delegate.

Prospective participants are requested to register well in advance as accommodation is limited. Most guests will be accommodated in economy rooms with shared bathrooms, but a few en-suite rooms are available and will be allocated to those guests who book first.

10. Registration fees
a. For delegates from outside the Republic of South Africa
i. Normal: US $ 500: US $ 100 non-refundable deposit payable by 29th October 2004, balance payable by 30th January 2005
ii. Late: US $ 600: US $ 100 non-refundable deposit payable by 31st December 2004, balance payable by 30th January 2005
iii. Onsite registration: US $ 700
iv. Interns: US $ 300: US $ 100 non-refundable deposit payable by 29th October 2004, balance payable by 30th January 2005
v. Interns’ late registration: US $ 400: US 100 non-refundable deposit payable by 30th December 2004, balance payable by 30th January 3005

b. Delegates from within the Republic of South Africa
i. Normal: R 2 300: R 500 non-refundable deposit payable by 29th October 2004; balance due by 30th January 2005
ii. Late: R 2 800: R 500 non-refundable deposit payable by 31st December 2004; balance due by 30th January 2005
iii. Onsite registration: R 4 500

Please note: All deposits are strictly non-refundable.
11. Additional Deposit: South African Rand 100.00
Please note, all guests will be required by the Eskom Convention Centre to pay a refundable cash deposit of ZAR 100.00 on arrival.

12. Registration
All registrations are being dealt with online at www.wits.ac.za/leprosy
For enquiries regarding administrative matters relating to the conference, please contact Peter Laubscher, Executive Director, Leprosy Mission Southern Africa at

Phone: +27 11 440 6323 Fax: +27 11 440 6324
Email: [email protected] Mail: P O Box 46002 Orange Grove 2119 South Africa
13. Abstracts of papers
All scientific matters relating to the Congress are being co-ordinated by a scientific committee chaired by Dr Noordeen, President of the ILA. Abstracts should be 200 words or less in length and should have a title and the names of the authors, including the name of the presenting author which should be underlined. The abstract should mention the affiliations of the authors and the address of the presenting author, including an email address. Delegates wishing to present papers should send their abstracts to Dr Noordeen by 29th October:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: [91-44] 2445 6337
Fax: [91-44] 2445 6338
Mail: 1-A, K.G. Valencia
57, 1st Main Road, Gandhinagar
Adyar, Chennai – 600 020 INDIA