GH and LAC are proud to introduce the 2007 LAC Health Managers' SOTA Meeting focusing on “Resiliency in a Changing Environment”.

The LAC Health Managers’ SOTA Meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 3 through Friday December 7, 2007. This Meeting promises to provide several formats aimed at building skills and increasing participant knowledge on scientific issues, policies, and current programming trends. Opportunities will exist for sharing lessons learned with key experts in child health, FP/reproductive health, maternal health, malaria, avian influenza and HIV/AIDS, as well as those activities that cut across the sector such as behavior change communication, health systems, and south-to-south exchanges.

We will continue to promote learning by using “open space” for participants to have an opportunity to discuss their country-specific issues in depth and to seek relevant solutions. Time will also be set aside to update staff on current and emerging Agency policies development, procedures, and processes.

Meeting Objectives include:

1. Shifting priorities in Agency policies, strategies and programs relevant to USAID PHN staff in LAC will be clarified.
2. Participants will have increased applicable knowledge on critical scientific and programmatic developments in health and capture new, state-of-the-art practices in the LAC region.
3. Participants will exchange ideas and information about program experiences between missions using innovative learning platforms, and forge relationships between missions for ongoing dialogue and south-to-south technical assistance.
4. Participants will have conveyed priority issues of concern and needs of support to USAID/Washington, other field missions, and regional programs.

We will talk to many of you about the specifics of the meeting including participation, presentations, panels and discussion groups. If you don’t hear from us please do not hesitate to contact us.

We are looking forward to seeing you all at the meeting.

LAC and GH Planning Team.

Visit http://ghintranet.usaid.gov/GH/administration/development/lac2007/ for details on the workshop, agenda, dates/schedule, hotel accommodations, and check-in. We encourage you to register now for the 2007 LAC Health Managers’ SOTA Meeting!