Experts from around the world will meet at the University to reflect on the role of globalisation in the transmission of infectious diseases between humans and animals.

What are the main challenges facing global health? What are the priorities at research and the latest advances in the study of infectious diseases? What lessons have we learned from the coronavirus pandemic and what is access to vaccines like? These and other questions will be debated at the 12th edition of congress of the Spanish Society of Medicine and International Health (SEMTSI), at partnership with the Institute of Tropical Health University of Navarra (ISTUN), to be hosted by the University of Navarra. Under the degree scroll "One Health. Improving the World", the congress will take place from March 8-10, 2022 at the University Museum. Experts from around the world will reflect on the influence of globalization, together with other factors, on the increase in the transmission of infectious diseases between humans and animals. They will also analyze the emergence and spread of pandemic diseases.

"We want this congress to be not only a scientificframework for all professionals involved in tropical medicine and international health, but also a forum to establish, renew and strengthen contacts and share the result of our research", explained Paul Nguewa, director of ISTUN and President of the organising committee congress . 

The President of SEMTSI, María Dolores Bargues, said: "Due to globalisation, the movement of people, goods and food, and even climate change, the transmission of diseases between people and animals has increased. These facts reinforce the One Health concept and, therefore, we have considered it essential promote this approach multidisciplinary from our society to contribute to optimal health for people, animals and our planet. In this reality we are especially involved in all the guarantors of public health, including professionals, researchers, students, institutions, agencies, etc.". 

Santiago Mas-Coma, president of the committee Scientific congress, stressed "the importance and timeliness of the objectives of this event, as the world has been affected by a terrible pandemic that has led to the death of thousands of people in all countries and the effects of climate change and globalisation are showing the extent to which they can lead to complex health problems that are very difficult to solve".

Speakers and submission of awards

Among the speakers, the following have confirmed their participation attendance: Aileen M. Marty, from the Travel Medicine Program and Vaccine Clinic at FIU Health (USA); Fernando Simón, director of the Coordination Centre for Health Alerts and Emergencies of the Ministry of Health; Carlos Mediano, President of Medicus Mundi International; François Bompart, President of the Access to Medicines for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi); Pamela Carolina, President of the Access to Medicines for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi); François Bompart, president of the Access committee of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi); Pamela Carolina Köster, from the Carlos III Health high school ; and Professor Basilio Valladares, president of the board of trustees of the Canary Islands Foundation for the Control of Tropical Diseases (FUNCCET). 

In addition to the lectures, several practical workshops will be held during the congress : Innovations in the diagnosis of tropical diseases; Emerging zoonoses: what can you learn from your vet; Artificial intelligence, the great revolution in Microbiology; and an escape room aimed exclusively at students. The event will present 70 oral communications, more than 100 posters and 12 round tables have been organised with the participation of nearly 40 experts.

On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the ISTUN, which is being celebrated this year, several awards will be presented at the congress , among others, to the Departments of Microbiology and Parasitology and of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry of the University of Navarra and the Cima, for their contribution to the implementation and development of the high school. In turn, the iO Foundation will recognise the best oral communications.