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Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Abay Poster Exhibition and Hall (Millennium Hall)
The bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is of major public health significance in many Sub-Saharan African countries because it causes infectious blindness (trachoma) and adverse effects on female reproductive health. C. trachomatis infection imposes serious health problems in many young women because of its delayed, long-term consequences, including abdominal pain, ectopic pregnancy, and increased susceptibility to HIV. Most importantly, at birth exposure of infants to Chlamydia, at times, causes conjunctivitis, which may lead to blindness in them. A variety of social factors make young women in Sub-Saharan African countries more susceptible to Chlamydia. Despite all advocacy efforts, few women in these countries are able to negotiate the conditions of their sexual lives or the effective use of protective measures with a partner. Furthermore, many women consider Chlamydia-related symptoms a normal condition, not realizing that their morbidity issues are the result of an infectious pathogen that is treatable. Biological factors which also make young women susceptible to Chlamydia include their low levels of Chlamydia protective antibodies and immature cervix, which together facilitate the transmission of the infection. Diagnosis and treatment against Chlamydia are almost absent in Sub-Saharan African countries. Developing a vaccine would be the long-term option for controlling Chlamydia diseases, but its intracellular nature and unique developmental cycle have complicated vaccine studies. Alternatively, controlling its inflammatory effects may help mitigate its long-term consequences. Until we have effective methods to control Chlamydia, its prevention and early diagnosis are critical and should be of highest priority for policymakers. Here, we will outline the challenges in the development of Chlamydia vaccines based on understanding the immunology of the bacterium. Despite these challenges, we will also discuss current approaches and future prospects for vaccine development. Finally, to combat the social factors, we propose a systematic method to help increase Chlamydia awareness in the population [298 words].
Learning Objectives: The general learning objectives for this conference is to find new and cost-effective ways of improving health and preventing diseases. Learn to explain and apply an understanding of the socioeconomic, behavioral, biological, and societal determinants of health and diseases. Understand the factors affecting the etiology, incidence, and prevalence of major health problems and disparities in populations. Explain the sociocultural and health sector responses to health conditions in society. Understand the factors affecting the need, demand, and utilization of health care and public health services. Most importantly to explain and apply an understanding of the economic, social, technological, political, and regulatory factors shaping the financing and organization of health services. Explain how the availability, financing, and organization of health services affects access, costs, quality, and outcomes; Explain the context, structure, functioning, and effectiveness of public health systems and other programs aimed at protecting and promoting the health of the public; Explain and apply an understanding of the economic, social, and political factors that influence health policy; and Understand the importance of and be able to balance science and values in the development and advocacy of policy positions.