INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF OBSTETRIC FISTULA SURGEONS (ISOFS)

4th ISOFS Congress 2012

(Second Announcement)

FISTULA - AN INJUSTICE TO WOMEN

LET US WORK TOGETHER TO BRING JUSTICE

Venue: Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, Dhaka, Bangladesh November 15-17, 2012

WELCOME MESSAGE

Dear Friends and Colleagues, It is our great pleasure to invite you to the 4th International Conference of Obstetric Fistula Surgeons. The programme is locally organized in collaboration with Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Urological Society. The programme is scheduled to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh during November 15-17, 2012. In this conference, eminent fistula surgeons and experts from all over the world will meet to share their experiences on fistula issues, where there will be discussion and deliberation on various thematic topics, such as: Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Research. There will be a daylong post-congress live surgical workshop focusing on the management of simple and complicated fistula. Preparation for the Congress is underway and a comprehensive scientific programme has been chalked out. There will be instructional courses, symposia, CME programme, memorial lecture, round table meeting, FIGO session, IUGA session, SUI session, plenary session, free paper session, video, and poster presentation among others. Papers and presentations are invited from all concerned persons. November is pleasant in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh with temperature ranging from 15°C to 22°C. It is a great time to be in Bangladesh, a country having the longest beach of the world in Cox’s Bazar, coral island of Saint Martin’s, the mangrove forest of the Sundarban, the tea gardens of Sylhet, and many other breathtaking places. We are confident that the scientific programme and these three days will be one of its kind with colourful memories and imprints for the participating delegates. Your visit to Bangladesh with its historical sites, natural beauty, and above all, the warmth of our hearts will be unforgettable. Looking forward to welcome you in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Kees Waaldijk Congress President

Sayeba Akhter Chairman

Organizing Committee

Khondker Md Shefyetullah Director General

Directorate General of Health Services

Iffat Ara Secretary

Organizing Committee

HISTORY OF ISOFS The International Society of Obstetric Fistula Surgeons (ISOFS) is the leading international professional body for those engaged at the forefront of the treatment and rehabilitation of women with the obstetric fistula. ISOFS is an organization built on excellent service and professional integrity. It was formed in 2007 because of the recognition among prominent fistula surgeons working in Africa and Asia that there are more than two million obstetric fistula survivors in the world. ISOFS Mission The ISOFS mission is to promote the highest standards for obstetric fistula care for women in a safe, effective and ethical manner. To realize this mission ISOFS works in cooperation with national and international health care providers, academic centres, and educators with expertise and interest in the obstetric fistula and has as its principles:

To promote the acquisition of knowledge and the improvement of skills in obstetric fistula surgery and management.

To enhance the understanding of obstetric fistula surgery through basic and clinical research.

To be a source of public and professional information. ISOFS Specific Goals

Stimulate the professional advancement of Obstetric Fistula (OF) practice by promoting it as a specialized field in its own right.

Develop ethical standards and guidelines for OF practice to ensure a high standard of services around the world.

Educate its members and update them on current advances in OF care through periodical and scientific meetings.

Provide a scientific focus for OF management. Facilitate international contacts between practitioners of OF management. Promote development and evaluation of safe, effective, preventive and curative

interventions. Work in partnership with communities, health systems, government and non-

government agencies, academic institutions and international organizations to ensure good evidence supports delivery of effective services.

Foster research in OF management including the promotion of international collaborative studies.

ISOFS Annual Conferences

The 2008 ISOFS Annual Conference took place at the Hotel Ghion in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on September 15-17.

The 2009 ISOFS Annual Conference took place at the Presbyterian Guest House and Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya on November 25-27.

The 2010 ISOFS Annual Conference took place at the conference centre of the hotel Les Almadies in Dakar, Senegal on December 7-9.

The ISOFS 2012 Annual Conference will be held in Bangladesh, which is located in South-East Asia during November 15-17.

ISOFS Members To date over 300 members and 100 associate members (doctors, nurses, midwives and intergovernmental organizations) provide a unique network serving the interests of women with childbirth injuries worldwide. Professor Kees Waaldijk of Nigeria is the President of ISOFS.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF ISOFS President: Dr Kees Waaldjik Nigeria

Vice President: Dr Tom Raasen Kenya

Secretary General: Dr Ambaye Wolde Michael Ethiopia

Treasurer: Dr Mulu Muleta Ethiopia

Nominated Sitting Members: Dr Kisha Wakasiaka Kenya

Prof Sayeba Akhter Bangladesh

Prof Kalilou Ouattara Mali

Dr Justus Barageine Uganda

Dr Marieta Mahendeka Tanzania

Audit Committee: Dr Abdelrahman Sudan

Dr JM Kiiru Kenya

LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Patrons:

Prof TA Chowdhury Prof Shahla Khatun Prof Anowarul Azim Prof AB Bhuiyan Prof Syeda Noorzahan Bhuiyan Prof MA Wahab

Advisory Board:

Prof Anowara Begum Prof Major General (Retd) Ali Akbar Prof MA Salam Prof Khalilur Rahman Prof AKM Anwarul Islam Prof Latifa Shamsuddin Prof Shamsun Nahar Prof SM Golam Kibria

Organizing Chairman:

Prof Sayeba Akhter Prof Khandker Shefyet Ullah

Member Secretary:

Prof Iffat Ara

Members:

Prof Ferdousi Islam, Prof SA Khan, Prof Zahid Hasan Bhuiyan, Dr Nilufar Sultana, Prof Farhana Dewan, Prof Fakrul Islam, Prof Joya Sree Roy, Dr Md Mizanur Rahman, Prof Kohinoor Begum, Prof SM Mahbub Alam, Dr MA Awal, Dr Afroza Kutubi, Prof Laila Arjumand Banu, Prof AKM Anowarul Islam, Dr Shehreen F Siddiqua, Dr Tabassum, Prof Shamsun Nahar Hena, Prof Afiqur Rahman, Dr Muna Shalima Jahan, Dr Waliul Islam Maruf, Prof Rowshan Ara Begum, Prof Ishtiaque Ahmed Shamim, Dr Nurul Huda Lelin, Dr Zinat Begum, Prof Jahangir Kabir, Prof Firoza Begum, Dr SF Nargis, Dr Shafiqul Alam Chowdhury (Shamim), Prof Khurshid Jahan Mowla, Prof Zamanul Islam Bhuiyan, Dr Fouzia Hossain, Dr Maruf Siddique, Prof Rahima Begum, Prof Ahasan Kabir, Dr Amanur Rasul, Prof Parveen Fatema, Prof Nasima Begum, Dr Jannatul Ferdous, Dr Sarforaj Ali Khan.

PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE

Thursday

(November 15, 2012) Friday

(November 16, 2012) Saturday

(November 17, 2012)

8:00AM Registration open

8:00AM-9:00AM

Free Paper Session

9:00AM-10:00AM Plenary I

10:00AM-11:00AM Memorial Lecture

Parallel Sessions

8:00AM-9:00AM

Free Paper Session

9:00AM-10:00AM Plenary II

10:00AM-11:00AM

Symposium

11:00AM-11:30AM Tea Break

11:30AM-12:30AM

Plenary III

Parallel Sessions

11:00AM-11:30AM

Tea Break

11:30AM-12:30AM Symposium

12:30-1:30PM

Plenary

1:30-2:30PM Lunch

2:30PM-3:30PM

Nursing Care

3:30PM-4:30PM Debate I

11:00AM-12:30AM

ISOFS Executive Committee Meeting

(Light refreshment

included)

12:30-4:30PM ‘ISOFS Setting

Standards Workshop’: Standard

5-Managing The Women with Fistula Deemed Incurable

(Including Lunch)

12:30-1:30PM

Symposium

1:30-2:30PM Lunch

12:30-2:30PM

General Assembly

(Including Lunch)

7:00PM-8:00PM

Opening Ceremony

8:00PM-9:30PM Cultural programme and Banquet

2:30PM-3:30PM Panel Discussion

3:30PM-4:30PM

Debate II

4:30PM-5:30PM Closing Ceremony

8:00AM-3:00PM

Live Surgical Workshop

Venue-National

Fistula Centre, DMCH

Topic Simple Fistula

Complicated Fistula Associated

Complications

3:00PM-4:00PM Adjourn ISOFS

Executive Committee Meeting

PROGRAMME INFORMATION Venue: Hotel Ruposhi Bangla Date: November 15-17, 2012 Secretariat: Congress Secretariat

2/14 Humayun Road (Ground Floor) Block- B, Mohammadpur Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh. Phone and Fax: +88 02 9104760 E-mail: isofs2012@gmail.com

Congress Procedure: Congress procedure featuring full manuscripts of symposium, plenary sessions, CME sessions, free paper session will be published after the Congress and will be available on request. Each of the speakers is requested to submit his or her manuscripts for the proceedings. Certificate of Attendance: A certificate of attendance will be issued to all delegates. Badge/Identification: Participants are requested to wear their Congress Badges for identification and admission to various functions during the Congress. Entry will be restricted for the participants only. In case of loss of the badge, the delegates are requested to contact the reception desk and get a new one. Volunteers: A group of volunteers will serve to fulfil your need during the Congress. In any emergency you can reach the Organizing Committee through any of the volunteers. Direction: To assist you in finding your way to the different venues during the conference you will find coloured arrows and notices indicating the important areas. Disclaimers: Every effort will be made to ensure the programme of the Congress mentioned in this announcement, however, the Organizing Committee reserve the prerogatives to make last-minute changes, should a need arise.

REGISTRATION FORM

Please complete one form for each registration. Photocopies are acceptable. Registrations are to be completed by September 15, 2012 (extended upto September 30, 2012). Foreign participants may make spot payment but must complete all others registration formalities by September 15, 2012 (extended upto September 30, 2012) Registration Information Last Name:

First Name/Initials:

Institution:

Address:

Contact: Cell Fax E-mail: Accompanying person(s):

Last Name:

First Name/Initial:

Registration Fees

ISOFS Member USD 150 Non-ISOFS Member USD 200 Accompanying Member USD 100 Local Participants BDT 4000 Post-graduate student/Trainee BDT 3000

Notes

Total number of participant is limited. Registration will be on first come first served basis. No provision of spot registration for Bangladeshi delegates. Payment is to be made in cash or, through bank draft payable to ‘ISOFS Congress

2012’. (Bank details: Prime Bank, ISOFS Congress 2012, Current A/C No: 14611050017653).

Foreign delegates may make spot payments on their arrival, but must complete and confirm their registration formalities by September 15, 2012 at the latest. Payments for hotel booking are requested in advance.

Registration includes participation in the reception dinner, Inaugural Ceremony, scientific sessions, Concluding Session, lunch, dinner and tea served during the congress.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE The registration form should be properly filled and returned to the Congress Secretariat along with valid payment documents of the appropriate amounts by September 15, 2012 (extended upto September 30, 2012). Post-graduate students or trainees must have their registration form counter-signed by their trainer or forward a certificate signed by his/her teacher or trainer at the place of work.

The receipt of the registration form will not be acknowledged till the Congress Secretariat has received the appropriate registration fees.

An official receipt will be issued upon receipt of the registration fees. Participants are requested to produce the receipt at the registration desk to collect the Congress Kit.

Local delegates are to collect their Congress kits on November 14, 2012 from Congress Secretariat.

Payment Instruction Acceptable Currency: For local delegates payment may be made in Taka. For foreign delegates payment shall be accepted in US Dollars. Remittance: Cash/Pay order/Bank draft/account payee cheque payable to ‘ISOFS Congress 2012’. Cancellation and Refund: Arrangements may be made to refund the registration fees when a written request for cancellation of registration is made to the Congress Secretariat before October 15, 2012. The cancellation request should reach the Congress Secretariat along with acknowledgement receipt.

ABSTRACT FORM

Call for Abstract

All abstracts are to be submitted by August 31, 2012 (extended upto September 30, 2012). Acceptance of abstract for presentation shall be intimated by October 15, 2012.

Submitted for:

□ Plenary session □ Free Paper

□ Poster □ Video CD

□ Symposium Specialty: Title: Name of authors: Presenter Address: Mobile: E-mail:

Poster Presentations: The poster size should be 90 X 120 cm, Vertical. Please e-mail the abstracts to: isofs2012@gmail.com Important Instructions for Typing

Title of the topic should be short but informative and typed in upper case (capitals).

This should be followed by the names of the authors and their affiliation. The name of presenting author should be underlined.

Please type the document in MS Office 2003 or, convert it to MS Office 2003 compatible format before sending.

Font size must be equal to 12, typed in single line space. Abstracts should not exceed 200 words and should be sent in duplicate. Abstract can be sent by e-mail as attached file.

INFORMATION ON ACCOMMODATION

Dhaka and other major cities of Bangladesh offer comfortable accommodation in modern hotels and a choice a Bangladeshi and Western cuisine. Smaller towns offer resorts, motels and rest houses for the tourists. Congress participants are advised to make their accommodation arrangement well in advance. Hotel reservation requests by the registered participants may be made through the Congress Secretariat by September 2012 at the latest. All requesting participants must provide the details of reservation (Full name, name of the hotel, dates of stay, etc) along with one night hotel rent in advance (in US Dollars). The Congress Secretariat will confirm the reservation subsequently. Hotel Rates

Fare Name of Hotels Single Double

Hotel Sonargaon (5*) USD 220 + VAT USD 250 + VAT

Hotel Ruposhi Bangla (5*) USD 136 + VAT (Special Congress rate)

USD 161 + VAT (Special Congress rate)

Hotel Radisson (5*) USD 300 + VAT USD 450 + VAT Hotel Sundarban (2*) USD 50 + VAT USD 53 + VAT Dhaka Club USD 50 + VAT

Note: All rates and details are approximate and subject to change. Ruposhi Bangla Hotel is the Hospitality Partner.

Website: www.ruposhibanglahotel.com E-mail: nazrul.islam@ruposhibanglahotel.com

GENERAL INFORMATION Access to Dhaka: International flights routinely commute to and from the primary airport, the Hazart Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka. This airport is situated about 15 kms away from the Congress venue. The most recommended means of travel to your hotel is by taxi. Transport from Airport to hotels may be arranged, if requested. Many hotels have their own pickup and drop off service from airport to hotel, on request. It is suggested that you contact your local travel agent to avail optimum services to suit your personal schedule. Air Service: Dhaka is well served by international airlines. If you cannot avail Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the Congress organizers suggest, you contact your travel agent to secure the most convenient air services available. Some of the airliners flying to Dhaka are listed below:

From Africa: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Saudia Airlines, etc. From Europe: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Biman Bangladesh, Thai Airways, etc. From Asia: Jet Airways, Thai Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Air India, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathy Pacific, China Southern, Emirates, Etihad Airways, etc.

Official Letter of Invitation: The Organizing Committee will be pleased to issue a separate letter of invitation if required. The sole purpose of the letter is to facilitate the delegate’s travel, leave and visa arrangements and does not imply any provision of financial support by the organizing committee. Insurance: The organizer cannot accept responsibilities for accidents, loses and health care support which might occur during travel and Congress procedure. Delegates are encouraged to obtain relevant insurance support prior to arrival. Electrical Appliance: The voltage of electrical mains in Bangladesh is 220-250 volts (50Hz) for household appliances. Currency Exchange: Bangladeshi taka, VISA and MasterCard are acceptable in most of the shops and hotels. However, you may exchange most of the SARC country currencies, British Pounds and US Dollars easily. Travellers’ Cheque is also entertained in the money exchanges of major banks.

INFORMATION ON BANGLADESH Official name: The Peoples Republic of Bangladesh. Capital: Dhaka. Location: Latitude between 20° 34’ and 26° 39’ North; Longitude between 88° 00’ and 92° 41’ East. Area: 1,43,988 square km. Boundary: Bounded by India on the North, East and West, by the Bay of Bengal on

the South and Myanmar on the East. Climate: Grishma (Summer: mid April to mid June) Barsha (Monsoon: mid June to mid August) Sharot (Post-monsoon: mid August to mid October) Hemanto (Autumn: mid October to mid December) Sheet (Winter: mid December to mid February) Basanto (Spring: mid February to mid April) The maximum temperature in summer ranges between 30°C and 40°C.

The annual rainfall varies from 50 inches in the west, 100 inches in the north and 200 inches in the sub-mountain regions. Rains are often accompanied by tropical cyclones and storms in summer.

Population: Total estimated population is 150 million. Density of Population per

square mile is 2100. Muslims are 89%, Hindus are 10% and others 1%. Language: There are two official languages; Bangla and English. National days: International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Dibash- February 21,

Independence Day- March 26, National Mourning Day- August 15 and Victory Day- December 16.

Principal crops: Rice, Jute, Tobacco, Tea, Sugar cane, Potato, Vegetables, etc. Principal fruits: Mango, Banana, Pineapple, Jackfruit, Watermelon, Green coconut,

Guava, Lychee, etc. Airports: Three international airports are (a) Hazarat Shahjalal International

Airport, Dhaka, (b) MAG Osmani International Airport, Sylhet; and (c) Shah Amanat International Airport, Chittagong. Other Airports are at Cox’s Bazar, Jessore, Rajshahi, Saidpur, Barisal and Ishwardi.

Sea ports: Chittagong and Mongla. Main Tourist Season: October to March.

Main Tourist Attractions:

Colourful tribal life of hill tracts, longest natural sea beach at Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata, Centuries old archaeological sites, The Royal Bengal Tigers at Sundarban, tea gardens of Sylhet, interesting riverine life, Mainamoti Buddha Bihar, Mahastangar at Bogra, Kuthibari at Shahjadpur, Sirajgonj, Pabna etc. A tourist agency will propose excursions and visits of historical sites, museum, famous places of Dhaka and Bangladesh.

Wearing Apparel (Dress): Tropical in summer and light woollen in winter. Currency: The unit of the currency is Taka. One Dollar is equal to Taka 80.00 and One

Pound is Taka equal to Taka 125.00 (approximate), variable according to daily rates.

Transport: Rickshaw, Auto-rickshaw, Taxi, Bus, Train, Steamer, Boat, etc are the main

public transports. Taxi is available throughout the capital. Food: Although Western and Chinese cuisines are available, the visitors will miss a

new experience if he/she leaves the country without tasting delicious sub-continental food (also know as deshi food). Rice being the staple food, preparations are abundant in variety; ‘Polao’ being the favourite of all the rice dishes. Biriyani is very popular. One can take his own choice of mutton, chicken and beef dishes. Some of the palatable meat preparations are Sheek Kabab, Tikka Kabab, Jali Kabab, Shami Kabab, Boti Kabab, Gurda Kabab, etc. Halim and Fuchka are very popular evening snacks.

In the innumerable rivers and rivulets of Bangladesh, there are hundreds of

fish of different variety. Fish preparations are, therefore, an essential part of Bangla cuisine. Smoked Hilsha is a favourite dish liked by the foreigners in particular. Lobsters, Prawns and Shrimps are also very popular. Vegetable dishes are also in plenty.

Exclusively delicious desserts are generally prepared from Rice or Milk

products or combination of both, mixed with sugar. Some of the local varieties of desserts are ‘Rosogolla’, ‘Chamcham’, ‘Pranhara’, ‘Kalojam’ and ‘Sandesh’; all made from the combination of milk and sugar. Yoghurt and Jardah are also among very popular local items.

Shopping: Bangladesh is well reputed for her handicrafts. Exquisite handmade articles in

a large variety are readily available and prices are cheap. Cottage industry products like printed sarees, pink pearls, wood products, coconut masks, folk dolls, horn products, Shital Pati (mattress having cooling effect), terra-cotta, toys and jute products for decorative purpose are very typical of Bangladesh. Brass wares, delicate silver trinkets, beautiful objects of ivory, embroidered silk sarees, scarves, purses, bamboo decoration pieces, cane and shell products, gold and silver ornaments, jute carpets and other attractive handicrafts can be bought in the shops at the handicraft sales centres and galleries in the cities and also at tourist spots. Aarong is very popular shop among foreign tourist to fulfil all their requirements.

But what really steals the heart of a lady are the rich brocades, the silk and cotton sarees embroidered with silver and golden thread. And who has not heard of the famous ‘Muslin’ of Dhaka, which used to be the favourite of the Royalties, is still available.

Banks: Banks remain open for transaction from 10:00 to 16:00 hours from Sunday to

Thursday. But most of the Money Exchanges are open till 22:00 hours. Immigration and Entry Requirements:

It is highly recommended that a valid Bangladeshi visa is obtained from participants’ respective countries or neighbouring countries (if the country of residence does not have Bangladesh High Commission) prior to arrival. The Congress Secretariat is always ready to facilitate your visa requirement. It may be noted that it is very difficult to arrange for ‘Visa on Arrival’ due to strict security reasons. To process on arrival visa for participants, the committee has to put forward an application to the Ministry of Home Affairs (at least 6 weeks before the person comes to Bangladesh) along with the followings:

A copy of the offer/invitation letter (will be provided by us). Copy of the passport. Two copies of passport size photograph. An authentication letter from the office where the invitee is

working; and Completely filled registration form.

However, five of the African countries; namely Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Morocco and South Africa; have Bangladesh Embassy and ‘Visa on Arrival’ cannot be provided for the residents of those countries.

When Leaving Bangladesh:

A foreign national needs to pay BDT 500 (about USD 7.50) as Embarkation fee at the airport. Handicrafts and other Bangladeshi products (except archaeological ones) can be taken out from Bangladesh.