Federation of Infectious Diseases Societies of Southern Africa (FIDSSA)

Infectious diseases have an impact on all levels of society. Patterns and type of infection can be influenced by and in turn influence human behaviour and socio-economic factors. At one end of the spectrum, infections such as tuberculosis and HIV cause extensive disease, have significant public health implications and have a major impact on poor people. This includes sexually transmitted diseases.

At the other extreme, rhinovirus infections, although considered fairly innocuous, affect all members of society regardless of socioeconomic status, cause morbidity through the precipitation of asthma and have an economic impact through loss of work.

Purpose and Objectives:
The purpose of the Federation shall be:
• To establish a common administrative structure which will provide secretarial or administrative support to its member Societies
• To improve communication between member Societies and interest groups
• Generate support and contributions towards a single scientific Journal with high standards, encompassing all member Societies interests
• Improve congress support of a joint biennial congress at which all Societies will be equally represented
The objectives of the Federation shall be:
• To advance the understanding of infectious diseases, medical microbiology and virology and the control of hospital and community acquired infections
• To promote the exchange of information relating to all aspects of infectious diseases, medical microbiology and virology and the control of hospital and community-acquired infections
• To foster greater collaboration between the clinically and laboratory based divisions of all the disciplines in the respective Societies
• To advise with regard to the training and maintenance of standards within the disciplines in the respective Societies
• To forge links with Federations and Societies representing similar interests throughout the world.