The Asia Pacific Assocaition of Medical Journal Editors International Convention Convention (APAME 2015) brings the region’s medical journal editors, authors, researchers, librarians, and publishers to the historic city of Manila, Philippines through a series of workshops, and discussions from 24th to 27th of August 2015.
Aiming to upgrade the quality of scholarly publications in medicine and the health sciences in the Asia Pacific Region and to promote collaboration and exchange of information and knowledge among stakeholders, the Convention will highlight the impact of ASEAN Harmonization on region’s research and research agenda.
The APAME 2015 is hosted by the Philippine Association of Medical Journal Editors (PAMJE) with the APAME, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Department of Science and Technology, the University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) in collaboration with the libraries of the World Health Organization (WHO) South East Asia and Western Pacific Region Regional Offices and the Medical and Health Librarians Association of the Philippines (MAHLAP).
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“A world without leprosy” is the vision behind the creation of LEARNS or Leprosy Alert Response Network and Surveillance, the first mobile phone-based leprosy referral system.
Leprosy is a skin and nerve disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Its early signs include pale or reddish skin patches and diminished sensation. Before treatment became available, leprosy patient suffered gradual progressive nerve damage, and became crippled and blind.
Although leprosy is a curable disease, the Philippines still has 11 leprosy endemic areas. Leprosy remains hidden and untreated in these areas because of stigma, as reported by Dr. Ernesto S. Villalon of the National Leprosy Control Program during the 1st eHealth Summit.
As explained by Dr. Villalon, the LEARNS is valuable in identifying new leprosy case, particularly in areas where access to health care is restricted by poor communications and geographic isolation. By using the LEARNS-equipped mobile phone, health workers may refer suspected cases of leprosy by sending pictures of skin patch and other skin descriptions to leprosy expert or health care provider. Once the expert diagnosed it as leprosy, a medication plan will be given to patients.
Aside from diagnosis, LEARNS also helps in leprosy surveillance by generating reports and maps of hyperendemic areas. Today, LEARNS is being pilot-tested in Region 6.
This initiative of the Department of Health is in partnership with the Novartis Healthcare Philippines and Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development.
Last March 7, 2014, the Philippine Council for Health Research & Development (PCHRD) held the 2nd PNHRS Steering Committee Meeting at Racks Restaurant, El Pueblo De Real, Ortigas and there were 25 participants from different institution/agencies attended the meeting.