From Dennis L. Kasper, MD, ISID President
On behalf of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, it is my pleasure to invite you to attend the 11th International Congress on Infectious Diseases to be held in Cancun, Mexico, March 4-7, 2004.

Infectious diseases have long been at the forefront of human concern and scientific discovery. The consequences of malaria, tuberculosis, and smallpox were well known to the physicians and artists of the great ancient civilizations; these afflictions are depicted in the art that has survived to this day. Far from being only of historical interest, however, infectious diseases remain major global causes of morbidity and mortality. In addition to well-recognized pathogens, increasingly sophisticated techniques enable us continually to identify new infectious agents. Other infectious agents such as HIV, dengue, Nipah, and West Nile virus are leaping geographic and/or species boundaries to cause epidemics in previously unexposed populations. As political leaders discuss vaccination plans for smallpox, the specter of bioterrorism reminds us all of how much further we have to go in controlling infectious diseases.

At the same time, we continue to broaden our understanding of infectious pathogens at an ever more rapid pace. This knowledge offers continued promise for better prevention strategies and treatment options. With scientific advances, though, comes the moral imperative to find ways to offer the best possible health care to all individuals regardless of where they live. The opportunities to make real advances in reducing the global burden of infectious diseases—and the urgent need to do so—have never been greater.

Over the past 20 years, the ICID has grown from a Congress of several hundred individuals to one of the largest international infectious disease meetings in the world. With thousands of participants from diverse backgrounds and from over 100 countries, the ICID offers a unique forum in which to share the latest information on the ever-changing challenges and opportunities in the field of infectious diseases. Through plenary talks by world-renowned experts, symposia, daily poster sessions, and the popular Meet-the- Expert sessions, the Congress allows world experts and front-line physicians and scientists to share their experience and knowledge in a collegial and enjoyable environment. Learning from each other is our best opportunity to meet the challenges that lie ahead for our patients.

An outstanding lineup of internationally known experts will headline the plenary sessions for the 11th ICID. Dr. Rino Rappuoli will discuss his pioneering work in the use of bacterial genomes to develop vaccine candidates. Dr. Paul Farmer has been a leader in creating effective treatment programs for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and HIV in community-based, low-resource settings. Prof. Adrian Hill will share his understanding of the influence of genetics on human susceptibility to infectious diseases. Prof. Shizuo Akira will describe for Congress attendees the role of Toll-like receptors in innate immunity. Dr. Jaime Sepúlveda will review the spread and control of cholera in Latin America. Each day of the meeting also will bring a number of exciting symposia that touch on the depth and the breadth of infectious diseases. Bioterrorism, new developments in vaccines, pediatric HIV, and the therapeutic applications of molecular biofilms are examples of the wide range of topics that will be covered by international experts in Cancun. The scientific program will be supplemented by satellite symposia developed by industry.

Cancun makes a beautiful and relaxing backdrop for the Congress. A short distance from the Congress center are the historical monuments of Chichen Itza and Tulum, testimonies to a vast civilization that once stretched throughout Central America. Cancun offers excellent beaches, pristine warm waters, and outstanding shopping and golfing facilities. It is a wonderful setting in which to renew friendships with colleagues from around the world and to refresh both your knowledge and yourself.

We look forward to seeing you in Cancun for the 11th ICID.

return to top