International Congress of the Federation of African Immunological Societies, 04/03

28 April 01 May, 2003 Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The fifth congress of the Federation of African Immunological Societies (FAIS) will be hosted by the Zimbabwe Immunological Society, and will be held at the Elephant Hills Inter-Continental, (http://victoriafalls.zimbabwe.intercontinental.com/index.shtml) situated at the Zimbabwean holiday resort centre of Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the World and a United Nations heritage site.

FAIS, a grouping of national societies of immunology in Africa is affiliated to the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS, http://www.qimr.edu.au/iuis/) and has sister federations in Asia/Oceania (FIMSA, http://www.fimsa.org/), Europe (EFIS, http://www.efis.org/), Latin America (ALAI, http://www.qimr.edu.au/iuis/alai.html) and North America. One of the main objectives of FAIS is to promote the science and practise of immunology in Africa. The inaugural congress was held in Harare in 1992. Subsequent congresses were held in Nairobi, Kenya (1994), Cape Town, South Africa (1997), and in Yaounde, Cameroon (2000).

THEME: The theme of the fifth congress encompasses current challenges to immunologists working in Africa. The major challenges include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other regionally relevant tropical infections. Regional and international experts will address the research and clinical aspects of these conditions. The interface of allergic conditions and immunology will feature prominently. Satellite workshops covering a variety of topics will be arranged before and after the meeting.

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME: http://www.faisoc.org/English/Conferences/VictoriaFalls/Program.htm

DETAILED DELEGATE AND ACCOMPANYING PERSON ITINERARY: http://www.faisoc.org/English/Conferences/VictoriaFalls/Itinerary.htm

ACCOMODATION: Delegates will be accommodated in a variety of hotels ranging from the 5-star Elephant Hills Inter-Continental and Victoria Falls Hotel to the 3-star A'Zambezi River Lodge and guest houses.

REGISTRATION/ABSTRACTS: Early abstract deadline: 15 December, 2002. Final abstract deadline: 15 February, 2003.

LANGUAGE: All proceedings will be conducted in English

TRAVEL: Victoria Falls International Airport can be reached via the regional airline hubs at Harare (Zimbabwe) and Johannesburg (South Africa). Air Zimbabwe is the official carrier of the 5th FAIS Congress. Bookings of congress package, preand post-congress tours: Albatros Travel Zimbabwe Tel: +263-4-303-372/54 Fax: +263-4-303-336 mailto:tours@albatros.co.zw

CONTACTS:

Convenor: Dr. Elopy Sibanda President of FAIS Department of Immunology, University of Zimbabwe Medical School PO Box A178, Avondale Harare, Zimbabwe Tel: +263-4-791-631/334-157 mailto:esibanda@africaonline.co.zw

Secretary: Dr. Patricia Ndhlovu Secretary General FAIS Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences University of Zimbabwe Medical School PO Box A178, Avondale Harare, Zimbabwe Tel: +263-4-791-631 mailto:pndhlovu@telco.co.zw or mailto:dmlt@healthnet.zw

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