The New Tidal Waves of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Africa: Are the Laboratory Systems Prepared?

ASLM2016 will dedicate a full-day of scientific oral abstract presentations, symposia, and round table discussions focused on addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa. NCDs are rising rapidly and are projected to exceed communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional diseases as the most common causes of death by 2030 on the continent (source: WHO).

NCDs PLENARY SPEAKERS SCHEDULED TO PARTICIPATE AT ASLM2016 INCLUDE:

Rising Tides Lift All Ships: Lessons from HIV/AIDS Laboratory Systems for NCDs in Africa
Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, Columbia University
Dr. El-Sadr is University Professor of Epidemiology and Medicine and Mathilde Krim-amfAR Professor of Global Health at Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health and College of Physicians and Surgeons. Through ICAP, the Centre she established more than a decade ago, large scale programmes have been supported in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia that integrate research, education, training, and practice with a focus on HIV, tuberculosis, and related conditions with an emphasis on health system strengthening. Dr. El-Sadr’s academic interests are diverse and include research, education, training, and mentorship. She is also a recognised researcher in the areas of prevention and management of HIV and tuberculosis as well as in implementation research.

Cancer and Pathology in Africa
Dr. Blair Holladay, American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Dr. Holladay serves as ASCP’s Chief Executive Officer. At ASCP, he has focused on strategic partnerships in laboratory medicine, international outreach, and health services research and delivery. During his tenure, ASCP has been funded for over 40 million dollars to support patient-centred care. His scientific research work focuses on the areas of cytopathology and molecular research which he’s been funded as a Principal Investigator for 50 scientific research grants and 100 scientific corporate contracts. Dr. Holladay has also published a number of significant research articles within the profession and is the primary author of several textbooks that are international best sellers.

Cardiovascular Diseases in Africa and Laboratory Medicine
Prof. Anthony Mbewu, Government Printing Works (GPW), South Africa
Prof. Mbewu is a specialist cardiologist, a research scientist, and Chief Executive Officer of the Government Printing Works (GPW). Previously he was President of the South African Medical Research Council (MRC) from 2005 to 2010; and Executive Director of Research at the MRC from 1996 to 2005. Prof. Mbewu has published 50 peer-reviewed papers in mainly international journals; and presented over 40 papers and posters at national and international research meetings.

Click here to view the full ASLM2016 scientific programme.