AMRITSAR: The Post Graduate Department of Zoology of Khalsa College Amritsar in collaboration with Society of Medical Arthropodology organized a two days “International Conference of Medical Arthropodology” on Malaria and other Vector-borne & Zoonotic Diseases: Current Challenges and Opportunities in Public and Veterinary Health.
The conference aimed at providing a platform for researchers and academicians in the region to share their findings and new tools to fight vectors involved in vector borne diseases like Malaria, Dengu, Zika virus, and Chikungunya transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. About 120 delegates from India and abroad, Faculty members and Post Graduate students participated in this conference.
Dr. Devinder Singh, Pro Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Mohali was the Chief Guest on this occasion. While addressing the participants he highlighted the fact that the complexity of vector-borne diseases lies in the intricate relationship between the vector, the pathogen, and the human host and effective prevention strategies involve adequate environmentalmanagement, and public health education.
President of the Society, Dr. B.K Tyagi while addressing the audience discussed the significance of arthropods for benefits of the society. He also added that this kind of conference can help the students to get aware about the recent advances in the field of vector borne diseases. Secretary of the society, Dr. B. Reddya Naik added that the vector borne diseases pose a significant global health challenge and Malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and Chikungunya are just a few of vector-borne diseases that impact millions of people worldwide.
Guest of Honour, Dr. Adarsh Pal Vig, Chairman, Punjab Pollution Control Board expressed his concern over the declining population of useful insects due to the present scenario of the increasing use of pesticides in agriculture. Dr. Jagbir Singh Kirti, Ex Head, Department of Zoology, Punjabi University Patiala mentioned that collaborative efforts among governments, researchers, and international organizations are essential for addressing the challenges posed by the vector borne diseases and reducing their global burden.
Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Head, Department of Zoology and Convener of the Conference presented inaugural address and welcomed the guests on this occasion. Dr. Amandeep Singh, organizing Secretary of the conference presented vote of thanks to Principal all the participants and faculty members. Best poster and oral pentation were awarded with certificates medals and trophies in valedictory session.
Faculty members of Department of Zoology Dr. Zorawar Singh, Prof. Randeep Singh, Dr. Satinder Kaur, Dr. Sandeep Kaur, Dr. Ankita Thakur, Dr. Mohammad Ali, Abid Amin, Sakshi Kaushal, Kritika Kaushal, Nikhar Sharma and Narottam Khajuria were also present during the event.