Infectious disease management workshops - at the Africa Down Under conference

25 August 2014 ,  —

Sydney

People working in the extractive industries sector can participate in a new workshop relating specifically to the management of infectious diseases like Ebola that helps them identify gaps in their existing emergency response plans.

The workshop has been developed by medical experts from International SOS, Public Health England, Chatham House, FH1360 and USAID and will be held for the first time in Australia at the Africa Down Under conference.

It specifically addresses some of the issues companies are facing with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and helps senior managers understand and prepare for similar situations. 

Francesca Viliani, Head of Public Health Consulting Services and Community Health Programs for International SOS, says changing environmental and social conditions in certain parts of the world is leading to an increase in diseases crossing from animals to humans, and companies working in these places need to be prepared for continuing infectious disease outbreaks.  

“Around 75% of new infectious diseases affecting humans are believed to have originated from animals, including Ebola, SARS, Bird Flu and AIDS. Population growth and the encroachment of humans and domestic animals into areas that have previously been occupied only by wildlife is resulting in an increase of such diseases, especially in tropical areas,” she said.

“There are known hot-spots for these conditions and companies operating in these areas need to be prepared. There is a lot that can be done to prevent illnesses spreading from animals to humans and to minimise the impact of infectious disease outbreaks before they occur.”

Global consultancy, Ernst & Young, recently identified ‘social license to operate’, refers to the level of acceptance or approval by local communities and stakeholders of mining companies and their operations, as the third biggest risk to long-term profitability that mining companies face in 2014-15.

“Being able to demonstrate emergency response preparedness and providing community health programs is one way in which companies can improve their social license to operate and at the same time help protect the health and safety of staff, who may reside or spend time in the local communities,” Ms Viliani said.
“While social license can make or break your operations and profitability, the long term impact of an infectious disease outbreak can be even worse.”

The workshop, named Kulinda Afya, which is Swahili for “protect our health”, runs for 90 minutes and simulates a situation where participants have to make operational decisions based on limited information. Throughout the workshop participants will identify their own knowledge gaps and learn best practice methods for developing emergency response plans.

When
2pm – Thursday 4 September
OR
2pm – Friday 5 September
 
Where
Africa Down Under Conference
“Meeting on 5”
Level 5, Pan Pacific Hotel
207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth
 
Registrations
To register for a workshop contact Kate Collins with your preferred time at kate@paydirt.com.au or phone +61 8 9321 0355 or go to AAMIG booth number 77 at the conference.
 
ENDS

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