Dear Colleague,

An International Conference on "Women’s Health in South East Asian Region" is
being organized by the Health Department, Municipal Corporation Of Delhi on 9th
& 10th December, 2003 at ‘The Convention Hall’ Ashoka hotel New Delhi, India to
give an international forum to discuss various issues related Women’s Health.

This has been proposed in view of the increasing concern of the society since
women being the pivot point of the family, her ill health reflects on the health
of the family as a whole. According to WHO estimates in South East Asian Region,
Reproductive ill health accounts for 37% of the total disease burden in women
aged 15-44 years and for 12% in men in the same group. It has also been observed
that the Couple Protection Rate ranges from 10% in Maldives, 42% in India and
70% in Thailand.

Though the CPR is increasing, there are still unmet needs and shortcomings in
Family Planning Programmes. The sorry state of affairs in the context of
HIV/AIDS as the women still suffers, for no fault of her and not only gets
infected herself but also her children who appear in this world infected.
Condoms are not used because the partner does not agree and we are still harping
on the Couple Protection Rates.

Medics still refuse to handle these patients even though best training is given
to them. Society still considers them untouchables and throws them out of their
houses. Whatever treatment is available is expensive and people cannot afford
it. People are talking of women empowerment by giving them their rights but not
as a health measure to protect them from dreaded diseases like AIDS. Is this not
gender based violence that for the husband to enjoy he will not be using
condoms. Simple physical infliction is not gender-based violence. Women
trafficking is also a bold arena . These issues are to be looked into not only
by doctors but also by social scientists by sharing with the people of South
East Asian Region especially Thailand where the HIV incidence rate has atleast
been controlled. We at India will like to learn by their experience and
interventions to control this epidemic of AIDS in our country.

Health Department, Municipal Corporation Of Delhi has taken this initiative to
blend all these issues not only in the frame work of medical domain but also in
the Social infrastructure by organising this Conference. The topics for
discussion in the conference are likely to include subjects like:

Reproductive Health ( RTI/ STI /AIDS)
Gender based violence (Resist refusal of condoms)
Women’s Health & Communicable Diseases (HIV AIDS)
Coping with Aging
Women Empowerment as Health Measure ---Boldly say no to AIDS
Cancer& Women
Private & Public Partnership in Women’s Health
Male as Supportive partner in Women’s Health

It is felt that it would be possible to have wide ranging deliberations on the
above matters as also allied issues relating to Women’s health. The
recommendations to improve women’s health will then be examined by policy
planners and concerned ministries / Departments for implementation to the extent
possible.

Elaborate arrangements have been made to organize this conference with Global
presence. Every care is being made to invite the distinguished faculty from
India and Abroad and we promise you excellent scientific and educational
programmes to meet your expectations.

You are cordially invited to be a part of this endeavor and participate as a
delegate/speaker in this conference. If possible you can even present a poster/
paper on any of the topics mentioned above. It will be excellent if you or your
organization could sponsor some delegates working with you to attend this
conference. Even some financial assistance would be of a great help. Detailed
brochure will be sent to you shortly. You can view the brochure at the official
website www.womenshealthmcd.com.

Any queries could be directed to email address womenshealthmcd@...

An excellent weather awaits you in the month of December at Delhi for these
brainstorming sessions.

With warm regards,

Dr. K.N.Tewari

Municipal Health Officer Cum Director Health Services
Municipal Corporation of Delhi
48, Town Hall
Delhi 110006,India

Chairman, International Conference on Women’s Health In South East Asian Region
Tel :00-91-011-23936101
Fax :00-91-011-23942056, 00-91-011-23965669
Website: www. womenshealthmcd.com
E-Mail – womenshealthmcd@...