Outbreaks of viral and bacterial infections may seem banal in light of the progress made in medical science. Yet hundreds of millions of patients worldwide are affected by healthcare-associated infections every year, and thousands ultimately die. From 25-28 June, over 1,000 world experts in the prevention and control of these infections will gather in Geneva for the 2nd International Conference on Prevention & Infection Control (ICPIC).

The first ICPIC conference was convened in 2011 as a platform to foster exchange and debate about the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections and anti-microbial resistance around the world, attracting 1,200 experts from 84 countries. The second edition will includes keynote lectures, interactive sessions, meet-the-expert workshops and pro-con debates on a number of pressing issues, including SARS, the new coronavirus and H7N9, cultural differences in infection control and patient safety, anti-microbial stewardship, health economics, antibiotics in food and animals and antibiotic resistance. 

One of the highlights of the conference will be the new Innovation Academy chaired by Didier Pitter and John Conly. From more than 30 abstracts, 15 finalists have been selected by the International Jury of the Academy to present their research. Each participant will provide a succinct oral summary of their work during the course of the forum, and the Jury will choose the five finalists to remain in the running for three 'Innovation Awards of Excellence' to be presented on 28 June.

Over the next two weeks, The Global Journal will present a special digital feature showcasing the inspiring stories behind the vital work being done to reduce the global burdern of healthcare-associated infections. Check back each day for updated content.

Click here for the detailed ICPIC program as well as further information.