Without doubt infectious
diseases (IDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity
in the developing countries. Regionally, and closer to home
the pattern of ID is quite different from that seen in developed
countries of the world. Yet, ironically, we use textbooks
and periodicals that are based in USA or Europe. Due to sheer
apathy data gathering of our own diseases has been insufficient
In September 1993 a group of like-minded physicians formed
the Karachi ID Society. In March 1999 the ID Society organized
meetings in Lahore and Islamabad. In April 2000 new members
were added at an ID meeting in Peshawar. The Society was renamed
Infectious Diseases Society of Pakistan (IDSP). Subsequently
a meeting was held in Multan. We hope to spread ourselves
to other cities in Pakistan, time and logistics permitting.
The objectives of the IDSP
are to:
*Develop rapport among
physicians and science graduates from diverse backgrounds
in ID
*Conduct clinical trials and gather data regarding clinical,
epidemiological and laboratory aspects of ID
*Conduct multi institutional studies in disease patterns,
drug trials, etc
*Study preventive aspects of common IDs
*Provide guidelines for improved lab diagnosis
*Study nosocomial infection patterns
*Encourage physician dialogue over common and uncommon IDs
*Educate physicians, nurses, patients and the community about
detection and prevention of communicable diseases
*Organize lectures, seminars/conferences for dissemination
of information
*Publish a periodical of IDs
Many of these objectives
have been met over the course of years. The IDSP represents
clinicians in all disciplines of medicine as well as pathologists
and microbiologists. Several surveillance and drug trials
based in multi institutions took off, and some have been reported
in local and international conferences and journals.
In 1994 we started a newsletter that has subsequently expanded
to a quarterly Infectious Diseases Journal of Pakistan (IDJP).
Articles are reviewed by at least two independent reviewers
in the field of interest, and an Editorial Board oversees
its quality. The journal is widely circulated and continues
to give valuable information. Readers are invited to contribute
articles of interest. IDSP has been holding clinical meetings
in various institutions in different cities. Cases are presented
and discussed by experts in the field. The IDSP functions
as a think tank. Any physician, clinical or non-clinical,
and any graduate of science with interest in ID may apply
for membership.
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