Global Health Initiative Symposium explores immunization programs in developing countries

DAYTON, Ohio—As all eyes turn toward the devastation in Japan following a catastrophic series of events, students at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine are focusing on efforts to raise awareness of health concerns that face the world, not only during disasters, but every day.

Students and professionals will gather to recognize health-related issues that other countries face at the Sixth Annual Global Health Initiative Symposium, Thursday, March 31, from 6 – 9 p.m. in the Gandhi Medical Education Center at White Hall on Wright State’s campus.

The event features guest speaker Jon K. Andrus, M.D., deputy director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), who will speak on “Implementing Immunization Programs in Developing Countries.” Dr. Andrus is a public health expert with 25 years of experience in the fields of vaccines, immunization and primary care in developing countries.

Previously, Dr. Andrus served as lead technical advisor for PAHO’s immunization program, with a focus on the poorest communities of the Americas. He was also a professor in and director of The George Washington University’s Global Health Master’s of Public Health Program and currently holds adjunct faculty appointments at the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

In addition to raising awareness about global health issues, the event also raises funds to help cover the costs of international travel for medical students who take part in international medical service trips.

The event is open to public. The cost is $50 per person and $20 for students. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres, dinner, the program by Dr. Andrus and a silent auction.  To register, R.S.V.P. by March 24 to Nicki Crellin at nicki.crellin@wright.eduor call (937) 775-2972.  For more information, visit med.wright.edu/clubs/ghi.

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Editor’s note: For more information or to schedule an interview contact: Cindy Young, Marketing and Communications, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, (937) 775-4839 or cindy.young@wright.edu. News is online at http://www.med.wright.edu