Home
The South African Medical Research Council is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, which simultaneously marks 40 years of MRC research into Mycobacterium and other aspects of the tuberculosis epidemic. Over this period, South African scientists had made major contributions to understanding of the causative organism (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and advancements in controlling the disease, not only nationally, but also regionally and globally.
Some of these achievements will be showcased over 2 days in Cape Town, with the participation of eminent local scientists who are also international leaders in their respective fields. The tuberculosis epidemic faced by the country today is a bigger challenge than ever before, and the colloquium will conclude with a view to the future, and what is needed to achieve a world free of TB. The colloquium will not only focus on the work of MRC associated scientists.
The objectives of the colloquium are:
- Creating an awareness among delegates and younger scientists about the impact and significance of South African TB Research of the past 40 years
- Showcasing current research and innovative, early stage, basic or developmental work
- Bringing scientists from different disciplines together with policymakers and public health officials to identify gaps in the knowledge and understanding of tuberculosis and to foster debate
Who should attend
Scientists, researchers, students, policymakers, public health officials, industry and all others with an interest in tuberculosis.
Colloquium themes
- Historic overview of tuberculosis research in South Africa and the contributions of local scientists;
- The impact of HIV/AIDS on the TB epidemic;
- Social aspects of treating tuberculosis;
- Current knowledge and understanding of the organism and epidemic;
- Drug-resistant tuberculosis; and
- The future: new interventions to combat the disease.
