Past Events

Jointly Organized by

COMSTECH, A Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) and Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT) Africa, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.

Venue: Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT), Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
Date: May 28 to 30, 2024

Introduction

NTDs (Neglected Tropical Diseases) are a major health and economic burden in most low- and middle-income countries, including many OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) member states.  The control and elimination of NTDs require a scale-up and integration of global mass treatment programmes, along with new technologies and drugs to diagnose and treat these diseases. Growing cases of leishmaniasis around the globe, particularly in the African region, is a major health challenge, which needs to be addressed at various levels (Public awareness, primary health care, vector control, effective use of current treatments and development of new technologies and drugs). Unfortunately, to date no vaccine is available to treat leishmaniasis, therefore, capacity building to identify new drugs, and drug targets in parasites is the need of the time.

Training Outcomes:

1. Young scientists will be trained on recent advances in NTD/ leishmaniasis diseases.
2. Researchers from Ethiopia and other OIC- COMSTECH member states will interact with each other in the training.
3. Multinational interactions will lead to the development of international collaborations, research possibilities and publications.

Practical session: The first 2 days will consist of lectures. These lectures can also be attended via zoom. This will be followed by a practical session of 1 day which will be conducted for a limited number of selected participants to transfer hands-on knowledge on evaluation of anti-leishmanial activity.

Who Should Attend?

Relevant to scientists interested in NTDs/ leishmaniasis research and specializing in Microbiology, Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine, Medicinal and Natural product Chemistry and Pathology.

Criteria for selection of participants:

COMSTECH/CDT Africa support will be available on merit. Participants should be less than 40 years of age. In case of students, their cGPA in relevant disciplines will be considered and extra weight will be given if they have publication. In the case of researchers/scientists, their publication record and abstracts will be considered.

Travel & Local Hospitality:

Travel and local hospitality related support is available for limited number of international participants. Self-funded / participants supported by their parent institutions are encouraged to apply.

Registration Process:

1. For physical/ virtual participation : Click Here
2. Read instructions in the application form carefully and submit a properly filled form along with your CV. Foreign participants must submit a scanned copy of passport. to the contact Person mention below
3.  Selected candidates will be notified through email; hence, applicants are required to check their emails regularly.

Contact Details

Ethiopia: Dr. Fozia Ali Adem, CDT-Africa, Addis Ababa University, fozia.ali@aau.edu.et

Pakistan:  Ms. Khazima Muazim, Program Manager, COMSTECH, khazima@comstech.org      

Date and Venue: April 23, 2024, Equator University of Science &Technology, Masaka, Uganda (Physical Participation only)

Date and Venue: April 24, 2024, Habib Medical School, Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala. (Physical and Virtual Participation)

Introduction:
Neurology, a branch of medicine dedicated to the study and management of disorders affecting the nervous system, holds profound significance in healthcare systems worldwide. In Africa, where the burden of neurological diseases is considerable and often compounded by socioeconomic factors, the role of neurology in healthcare delivery is particularly crucial. With an increasing recognition of the impact of neurological disorders, there is a growing need for specialized expertise and resources to address these complex conditions effectively.

Against this backdrop, the forthcoming workshop aims to equip healthcare professionals with essential knowledge and skills in neurology, covering a range of topics pertinent to the diagnosis, management, and prevention of neurological diseases.

Topics/Areas to be covered:

• Global Epidemiology of Neurological Diseases, with a Focus on Africa
• Approach to Neurology: Principles of History Taking and Physical Examination
• Understanding CT Scans and MRI
• Management of Stroke: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Strategies
• Epilepsy: Evaluation, Classification, and Therapeutic Interventions
• Management of Headache Disorders: including Migraine
• Critical Care in Neurology
• Central Nervous System Infections: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies

Resource Persons:

Registration Process:

• For physical participation register at the following links:
  Equator University of Science &Technology, Masaka: Click Here
  Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala: Click Here
  (Physical Participation is open only for participants from Uganda. The participants will need to arrange their own travel and local hospitality)
• For virtual participation register at the following: Click Here  
• Read instructions in the application form carefully and submit a properly filled form.
• Selected candidates will be notified through email; hence, applicants are required to check their emails regularly.

Technical Focal Person:

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Wasay
COMSTECH Distinguished Scholar
Professor
Section of Neurology, The Agha Khan University, Pakistan
Karachi, Pakistan.

Workshop Coordinators:

Muhammad Haseeb Ahmad
Program Officer
COMSTECH, Islamabad.
Email: Haseeb.ahmad@comstech.org

Dragule Swaib
Lecturer Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science
Coordinator COMSTECH-IUIU
Email: dragule@iuiu.ac.ug

Eng. Kasagga Usama
Ag. Academic Registrar
Equator University of Science & Technology
Email: ar@equsat.ac.ug

To be held from 22^nd April 2024 to 3^rd May 2024
At the
NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan.

We are delighted to announce that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), and the Russian Association of Earthquake Engineering and Protection from Natural and Manmade Hazards (RAEE), in collaboration with the NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan will be hosting a Two-Week Training Course on “Disaster Resilient Structures” from April 22nd to May 3rd, 2024.

This joint initiative aims to bolster capabilities in disaster resilience and sustainable engineering practices. The training course will comprehensively address a range of hazards, including earthquakes, floods, fires, and tsunamis, with a primary focus on cultivating a deeper understanding of risks to infrastructure, communities, and societies. Furthermore, the course will explore mitigation strategies and promote sustainable development principles.

The target audience for this course includes teaching staff from Pakistan, Russia, and other OIC member states. We anticipate approximately 30 to 40 participants benefiting from this valuable training opportunity.

The NED University of Engineering & Technology will generously provide airport pick-up and drop-off services, accommodation, and meals during the duration of the training course in Karachi.

To apply, please submit your application using the prescribed form via email no later than March 31st, 2024. For any inquiries or additional information, please feel free to reach out to Prof. Masood Rafi (rafi-m@neduet.edu.pk) or Mr. Muhammad Ameen Kalroo (ameen@comstech.org).  We look forward to your participation in this enriching program.

For Application Form: Click Here

Description:

COMSTECH and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Pakistan in collaboration with Al-Nur Foundation Somalia, and Benadir University Somalia, are organizing a free cataract eye surgery camp in Mogadishu, Somalia, from March 1st to March 10th, 2024.

The goal of this initiative is to eliminate avoidable blindness by providing free cataract surgeries to those in need. The camp will be held at Dalmar Specialized and Teaching Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia.

For any information, please contact:

Dr. Abdur Rashid
Consultant (Health Initiatives)
Whatsapp:009223215255442
Email:rashid.consultant@comstech.org

For more details, visit : https://bioconference.kaznu.kz/en

Ambassador Mussinov was a seasoned diplomat and a great personality, who served the Ummah from the platforms of the OIC as the Assistant Secretary General (S&T), and the Director General of IOFS.

On behalf of COMSTECH, as well as myself, I express our deepest condolences.  May the Almighty Allah (SWT) grant solace to his family, friends, and colleagues, and bless the departed soul with eternal peace in paradise.

Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Mustafa (PBUH) Prize Laureate, H.I., S.I., T.I.

Coordinator General, COMSTECH

COMSTECH Public Lecture

Recent Research and Development in Zoonotic diseases and DNA vaccines; Bridging Health and innovation

Venue: 3^rd Floor, COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad

26^th February 2024

Tentative Program: Click Here

Registration Link: Click Here

Free Cataract Eye Camp in Ali Pur, remote area in Muzaffargarh, Punjab, Pakistan, organized through a collaboration between COMSTECH and LRBT, embodies the vision of COMSTECH to prioritize healthcare accessibility and community welfare. Scheduled for February 24, 2024, this campaign funded by COMSTECH is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in need. By offering free medical consultations, medications, eyeglasses, and surgeries to address cataract-related issues, the camp aims to alleviate the burden of visual impairment and improve the overall quality of life for participants. This initiative underscores the collective effort of COMSTECH and LRBT to fulfill their commitment to serving communities, particularly those underserved or marginalized, by providing essential healthcare services that empower individuals to lead healthier and more productive lives. Through such collaborative endeavors, COMSTECH continues to demonstrate its dedication to advancing healthcare accessibility and making a tangible difference in the lives of people across Pakistan.