The 6th Amrita International Public Health Conference (AIPHC) began today with the theme “Advancing Public Health Strategies for Cancer Control”. Addressing the global health challenge of cancer, its aim is to tackle multifaceted issues, including emphasising early detection, research advances, and public health strategies for enhanced treatment outcomes.
Held at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, the two-day gathering is fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among academia, public health organisations, policymakers, and practitioners. The Department of Community Medicine & Public Health and the Department of Oncology organised the conference in partnership with ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. ITMO is one of Russia’s leading research institutions and specialises in Information Technology, Optical Design, and Engineering.
Mrs. Viji Venkitesh, Regional Head, India & Southeast Asia with The Max Foundation, inaugurated the event. The Max Foundation is a global health organisation that advocates for all people living with cancer to access the best treatment and support. Swami Purnamritananda Puri, one of Amma’s most senior disciples, also addressed the inauguration.
Day one’s topics cover pragmatic strategies for controlling common cancers, molecular cancer epidemiology, digital technologies in screening, epidemiology and trends of leading cancers in India, addressing cancer disparities through community engagements, and a special series on “Protecting Her Health” focusing on breast cancer and cervical cancer.
Day two’s sessions encompass transforming the landscape of cancer care, diet and cancer, peculiarities in cancer control in Russia & ex-Soviet states, economics of cancer care, NGOs in cancer control, public health approach in palliative care, current challenges for implementing cancer control, and a special edition on recent advances from Amrita.
Key speakers include Dr. Prem Nair, Dr. Pavithran K, Dr. Krishnakumar N Menon, Dr. Yao Song, Dr. Srikanth Moorthy, Dr. Anna E Andreychenko, Dr. Harish Kumar, Dr. Vasant P K, Dr. Teena Mary Joy, Dr. Sharmila Pimple, Dr. Bipin Gopal, Dr. (Brig) Ajoy Menon, Dr. Somasundaram Subramanian, Dr. Rajasree K C, Dr. N Hari Mohan, Dr. Suresh Kumar, Dr. Wesley W Jose, Dr. Regi Jose, Dr. Paul T Francis, and Dr. Denny John.
