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Friday, 10 June 2016

UWA Marshall Centre Director Professor Barry Marshall will be the keynote speaker at this week's International Conference for the Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases in Madagascar.

Organised by the Association Medico-Churgicale de Gastro-Enterologie de Madagascar (AGEM) and Australian Doctors for Africa (ADFA), the Conference brings together researchers, specialists, physicians and NGOs to discuss the heavy burden of Helicobacter pylori, Schistosomiasis and other gastrointestinal diseases in Africa.

The conference commences on 16 June 2016 at the Akademia Malagasy in Antananarivo and will host more than 20 distinguished panellists.

In his keynote address, Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall will address what can be done in Madagascar to reduce the burden of disease. Helicobacter pylori infects half of the world’s population and is the proven cause of peptic ulcer and most gastric cancer. Professor Marshall will showcase the research undertaken at the UWA’s Helicobacter Research Laboratory to develop novel approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori and its antibiotic resistant strains.

Professor Barry Marshall is the Western Australian Ambassador for Life Sciences. This role is supported by the Western Australian State Government and focuses on State science priorities related to medicine, health, data and science engagement. Western Australia has a history of successful medical research and translation into health care and health policy outcomes, including Professor Marshall’s work on H. pylori . WA’s strong base in this area is underpinned by collaboration between government, universities, research institutes and the private sector.

“We are very excited about the level of support and enthusiasm we have received from speakers, sponsors and attendees for this important conference and we are especially honoured to be hosting Professor Barry Marshall, Nobel Laureate,” said Professor Rado Ramanampamonjy, Conference Co-ordinator.

The aims of the conference are to:

  • Outline the burden of gastrointestinal diseases in Madagascar
  • Offer pathways for research, prevention and treatment
  • Hold an endoscopy workshop specific to the needs of Madagascar
  • Ensure future funding for gastrointestinal disease research, treatment and prevention

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For more information, please contact Josephine Muir

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