Welcome

Dear colleagues and friends,

On behalf of the FIDSSA Council and the Local Organising Committee, it is our great pleasure to invite you to the 9^th FIDSSA Congress to be held at the Elangeni & Maharani Hotel, Durban, South Africa from 3 to 5 November 2022.

The Federation is an amalgamation of southern African societies focused on infectious diseases, infection prevention and control, clinical microbiology, and paediatric infectious diseases. Since its formation, FIDSSA has contributed substantially to an integrated approach of tackling the major challenges of infectious diseases in southern Africa.

We are committed to host a comprehensive and excellent meeting that attracts local and international experts to lead conversations on a wide spectrum of cutting-edge infectious diseases topics relevant to the region and the African continent. We strongly encourage presentation of original research work and the programme will allow ample time for both oral and flash presentations. We anticipate that the outstanding scientific programme will be balanced with rewarding networking opportunities, whilst ensuring a safe environment for attendees in a state-of-the-art conference venue.

We invite you to join us at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, with the best views in Durban. The venue offers African hospitality that exceeds international expectations, along with a relaxed and warm atmosphere.

The biennial FIDSSA congress was postponed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions. It is, therefore, with great excitement that we look forward to seeing you all again in Durban in November 2022.

Halima Dawood (LOC Chairperson) and Nicolette du Plessis (FIDSSA President)

Yours Sincerely,