SRI LANKA - FRANCE HEALTH TIES

Embassy of France in Sri Lanka & Maldives JOINT PRESS RELEASE

Training Programme on
"Improvement of the Microbiology Diagnosis and the Surveillance Tools in Sri Lanka."

The Ministry of Health and the Medical Research Institute in association with 4 leading French health Institutions - Pasteur Institute, French Institute of Public Health Surveillance (INVS), Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital and World Health Organization - are holding a two-week training workshop from the 19th to the 30th March 2007 on the "Improvement of the Microbiology, Diagnosis and the Surveillance Tools in Sri Lanka" at the Medical Research Institute, in Colombo.

This is yet another opportunity where France and Sri Lanka cooperate for mutual benefit and enhance the relations between the two countries. Global issues including virus transmitted by mosquitoes (ie: chikungunya, dengue fever) and other transmitted diseases (ie: seasonal flu, avian flu and leptospirosis) for which France is actively involved in the research process will be adressed during the programme. Expertise on biological diagnosis and surveillance will be shared between the French and Sri Lankan experts in the field.

On the direction of the former Minister of Health in France Hon. Douste-Blazy, the INVS and the Pasteur Institute jointly conducted a mission to evaluate the health status of Sri Lanka in December 2005. Subsequent to this, ten eminent French scientists affiliated to the leading diagnostic health

institutions have liased with the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka and the Medical Research Institute to fulfill this venture.

The highlights of the programme which is from the 19th March, 2007 to 30th March, 2007 includes:

Inauguration of the Programme 19th March 2007 by the Hon. Minister of Health in Sri Lanka, Nimal Siripala De Silva and the Ambassador of France in Sri Lanka H. E Michel Lummaux.

Lectures and practical training 19th to 30th March 2007, at Medical Research Institute for 45 Sri Lankan participants comprising top level researchers, lecturers, leading professionals from Medical Research Institute and other institutions from all parts of Sri Lanka.

Round Table conferences Open to universities, researchers, physicians, general practitioners, hospital employees and students.

Discussion 1: Seasonal Flu & Avian Flu
22nd March 2007 at 1400hrs-1530hrs
Discussion 2: Chikungunya & Dengue Fever
28th March 2007 at 1400hrs-1530hrs
Discussion 3: Leptospirosis
30th March 2007 at 1400hrs-1530hrs

Venue Medical Research Institute,
Dr. Danister De Silva Mawatha,
Colombo 8

The practice sessions will be conducted using sophisticated equipment which will then be donated to the relevant Sri Lankan Institutions. This cooperation will continue with exchange of experts from both countries, through participation in international conferences and training programmes.

For further information please contact :
Press and information Service
Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives
Tel: 2 69 88 15