SIMATS hosts Intl. meet on vector-borne diseases

Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences – SIMATS on Tuesday hosted an International Conference on Vector-Borne Diseases. The four-day event, organised along with the Indian Chapter of Society for Vector Ecology, Academy of Public Health Entomology, began at Saveetha Medical College on Tuesday.
In his Presidential address, Dr. Rajpal S. Yadav, President of the Academy of Public Health Entomology, said even a few decades back, the World Health Organisation had a full-fledge division with entomologists engaged in global collaboration and research to arrive at solution to combat vector-borne diseases. Sadly, over the years, not only had the number of entomologists dwindled, but their role was being ignored.
While offering his felicitations, Dr. N.M. Veeraiyan, Founder and Chancellor, SIMATS, said they were committed to pursue excellence in academics and research and such events were a part of their vision. He said that Saveetha Dental College was ranked No.1 among dental colleges in India for the third consecutive year, and was confident that they would retain the top slot this year too. All their institutions were top ranked and they were among the few from India to be ranked in the top in Times Education Rankings.  On the occasion, awards to experts and young researchers who had made outstanding contribution in the sphere of vector control were given to 16 people engaged in various institutions. Dr. Deepak Nallaswamy, Pro-Chancellor, SIMATS, D. Norbert Becker, Vice President of European Mosquito Control Association, Dr. Rui De Xue, Director, SOVE – USA, and President, American Mosquito Control Association, Dr. Sheeja Varghese, Registrar (Academics) Dr. J. Kumutha, Dean, Saveetha Medical College, and Mr. P. Muthuswamy, CEO, SIMATS, offered their felicitations. In his welcome address, Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Pro Vice Chancellor, SIMATS, Organising Secretary of the conference, said SOVE aimed at bringing together the finest and brilliant minds in the areas of vector science, in a single platform.