During the last few decades the health care systems in many countries have been confronted by numerous challenges which have required them to prepare for and manage different types of emergencies and disasters, stemming from natural events, terror and communicable diseases. The current world-wide efforts that have been implemented in order to prevent, mitigate and manage an H1N1 flu pandemic well illustrate the crucial need for global collaboration.
 
In order to provide an opportunity for professionals from around the world to share the latest findings and new experience regarding health system readiness for disasters and emergencies of all types, the Israel Ministry of Health and IDF Home Front Command have initiated the IPRED conference. The conference will be held from 11 – 14 January 2010 in Tel Aviv, Israel.
 
The goal of IPRED is to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, experience and lessons learned about preparedness and response to emergencies and disasters. The conference will also provide opportunities for networking, and promoting the potential for international research collaboration in the field of emergency and disaster medicine.
 
The conference is aimed at professionals (both practitioners and researchers) from the civilian and military domains, government and non-governmental agencies involved in the delivery of health care, and agencies involved in preparedness and response of health care systems for the full gamut of emergencies and disasters.
 
Professionals who would benefit from the conference include: physicians, nurses, emergency medical services personnel, emergency planners, public health, mental health, law enforcement, environmental protection agencies, and rescue and fire services.
 
The main themes of the conference are:
·        Preparedness and response to emergencies and disasters
·        Lessons learned from mass casualty events and emergencies
·        Public behavior, risk communication and mental health during and following emergencies
·        Training personnel for managing emergencies
·        Interface relations and collaboration between emergency agencies
·        Risk assessment and surveillance systems for identifying potential threats to public health
·        Role of international and national agencies in disaster medicine
·        Opportunity for observing and/or participating in a 2 day   biological drill
 We would like to request your assistance in disseminating information concerning the conference to colleagues, and other groups or individuals who you feel might be interested in attending the conference.
 
Additional information regarding the conference can be found on the IPRED website: www.ipred.co.il or by contacting: [email protected]

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)