Report of first meeting of the regional steering committee for networking of centres of expertise in tropical diseases
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WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia
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The South-East Asia (SEA) Region bears a tremendous burden of tropical diseases. There are wide varieties among Member countries in regard to manpower, infrastructure and expertise in dealing with diseases. Medical and research institutions are in the frontline in developing knowledge and a body of evidence, which in turn is the base for policy-makers and implementers. A mapping of centres of expertise in tropical diseases has been commissioned by WHO and carried out in seven countries. Following the "Meeting of Centres of Expertise in Tropical Diseases" held from 28 to 30 November 2011, Faridabad, Haryana, India, there is the crucial need to lay out the roadmap in establishing this network.The Regional Steering Committee is mandated to lead this process, and this report summarizes the key outcomes from their first meeting, conducted in Kolkata, India, in August 2012. The network approach is advocated as the most cost-effective way to build communication from a wide range of stakeholders at the same time from distant locations situated in various countries in the Region and outside. The benefit would include better collaboration in research and its dissemination, strengthening common platforms to share expertise to achieve common goals for the Region, and enhancing the scientific roles of the institutions involved. The objectives, architecture, financing and workplan are clearly spelt out in this report. Furthermore, recommendations are highlighted to ensure all partners will continue this laudable commitment.