Welcome

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

On behalf of the FIDSSA Council and the Local Organising Committee, it is our great pleasure to invite you to the 8^th FIDSSA Congress to be held at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa from 7 to 9 November 2019.

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

The biennial FIDSSA Congress 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 and fun social activities.

We invite you to join us at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre overlooking the magnificent Magaliesberg Mountains. The venue offers a blend of excellent conference facilities close to major airports, along with a relaxed and warm country hospitality atmosphere.

We look forward to seeing you in Johannesburg in November 2019,

Yours Sincerely,

Dr Nelesh Govender                                 Professor Nicolette du Plessis

FIDSSA President                                           Congress Chairperson