President's Letter

Dear Members,

The year 2002 ended with a lot of uncertainties. The economic recession has hit many people, created great doubts about investments and reduced consumption. It has also decreased air traffic, and many airlines are facing serious identity and economic crises, forcing some of them to restructure. International terrorism is certainly not dead, and we are facing a possible war in the Middle East.

Is economic globalization to blame? Is the economy ruling the world allowing no room for a sound social and political counterbalance to create more long lasting and constructive development trends? Is our planet divided between good and bad nations? Can’t we find ways to increase access to medicine for those who need it the most?

We in travel medicine know that globalization also brings good things. Easier access to travel allows people to meet, to discuss, and to discover each other’s opinions and common interests. The amazing internet revolution permits individuals from all over the world to communicate and have access to information from the most remote places. Can’t this facilitate mutual understanding instead of radicalization and oversimplification of the world’s diversity?

Last October, in Shanghai, we met with Chinese colleagues and saw how dynamic they were in developing their country. By traveling and teaching overseas we discover new situations, other ways of experiencing questions and problems, and attempts to find innovative solutions to them. In the medical field we are in a unique position to make a difference and increase awareness of situations which have to change. Let us see in our own modest field what we can do. One possibility is to make the travellers we see more accountable and more responsible when they visit new countries, to make them respectful of the local people they meet. In New York we will launch a responsible traveller’s initiative to promote this. I would like to see the ISTM generate projects to improve the knowledge and competence of local medical professionals, not only for visiting travelers but also to improve the health of the local population. This can be a constructive contribution within the modest means we have available. The ISTM board is working towards this, aware of its responsibility in this rapidly changing world.

In the mean time, I wish you all a very fruitful and happy new year. May 2003 bring you the joy and achievements you wish for. I am also looking forward to seeing all of you in May in New York.

With my very best regards,

Dr. Louis Loutan
President, ISTM