The three-day 10th international symposium on vectors and vector-borne diseases will be under way in Goa on Wednesday, November
4.

Chief minister Digambar Kamat will inaugurate the symposium in the presence of chief secretary Sanjay Srivastava at the Kala Academy, Panaji. The symposium is being organized by Goa University and the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR).

Announcing this at a press conference, Dr Ashwani Kumar, deputy director NIMR and organizing secretary of the symposium, said that over 400 delegates, including leading scientists and young researchers from India and abroad, will attend the symposium.

While the inaugural day will see the presentation of recognitions and awards, the technical sessions will be held on November 5 and 6. The symposium has 10 main sessions and 19 plenary lectures by leading scientists on a variety of subjects.

Talks will deal with subjects such as vector biology and control, epidemiology, malaria in pregnancy, climate change and vector-borne diseases, parasite/virus/rickettsiae, etc. Among the various talks to be held, are two by Goa-based doctors. Dr Dipak Kabadi will present a talk on "vector-borne disease scenario in Goa; the way forward" and Dr Ashwani Kumar will speak on the "burden of malaria in pregnancy and its implications".

Other speakers include Dr Sajal Bhattarcharya (Climate change and mosquito-borne diseases: exploring the threats", Dr D T Mourya (emergence of chikungunya as a major public health problem) and Dr Rod Flinn (importance of durability and longevity when selecting long-lasting insecticidal nets).