Cape Town is Just Around the Corner

The African-European Conference on Travel Medicine (AECTM) - jointly organized by the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) and the South African Society of Travel Medicine - will take place in Cape Town, South Africa from the 8th to 11th February 2004.

While the conference is specifically targeted at European doctors and nurses who have a special interest in travel medicine, there will be plenty of material to satisfy people from other continents as well. Reflecting the location of the meeting, the programme will focus on the travel medicine aspects of Africa, but will also include information about other continents. The scientific chairs are Professor Robert Steffen, University of Zurich, Switzerland, the co-founder of the still young field of travel medicine, and Professor Mary Ross, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. They have attracted leading international speakers to participate. The faculty will be enriched by local experts who will contribute their hands-on experience and expertise to the program. A conference highlight will be a lecture series "Meet the History", a well-established tradition at ISTM conferences. An extensive and exciting program will also be offered for accompanying persons. The AETMC will undoubtedly be the premier event of 2004 for travel medicine in Europe, Africa, and elsewhere.

ISTM has selected South Africa to host the conference in order to strengthen the link and the information exchange with Africa, a destination continent for many European travellers. Your attendance will not only contribute to the development of travel medicine in Africa but will also provide a unique opportunity for better understanding of the lure and challenges of travel in Africa.

The number of early bookings already indicates an unusual interest in the event. Europe's foremost travel medicine specialists have already confirmed their participation. All the leading producers of vaccines and travel medicine relevant drugs will be present with booths and satellite symposia.

Register and view the program and other details at the ISTM website www.istm.org - "Conference Information". The deadline for presentation and poster abstracts is 1 November 2003. Details and application forms are now available on the web along with the second announcement.

Cape Town is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was founded as a supply station for sailors travelling between Europe and the East, primarily to prevent scurvy among the seamen. This history predestines the city for a travel medicine conference. The event will be held in the brand new, ultra-modern conference venue which is directly linked to the world famous Waterfront of Cape Town, where life pulsates day and night. Of course, Cape Town is also an excellent starting point for excursions within the Cape region and in South Africa as a whole.

South Africa is booming and, although the exchange rate of the Rand has improved recently, South Africa is still extremely good value for money. A week's stay in South Africa and the flight costs no more than an equivalent 4-5 days in a major city of Europe.

A word on safety: the conference venue, the on-site conference hotel, the surrounding hotels and the Waterfront provide very safe environments. Moreover, South Africa is a safe destination, as long as you adhere to a few very simple safety rules and common sense.

Please book early. Since February is the best time of the year in Cape Town, accommodation and travel there are in high demand. Accordingly the flights are heavily booked and it can be a problem to find a carrier if you are late. In addition, early booking gives you access to the very reasonable early bird delegate fees. For information, please go to our webpage at: www.istm.org.

We look forward to welcoming you in Cape Town.

Albie de Frey, MD
Co-Chair, Organizing Committee, AECTM
President, SASTM