The Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, Nagpur in association with Indian Academy of Tropical Parasitology and Vidarbha Association of Medical Microbiologists (VAMM) is organizing the 1^st Conference of Indian Academy of Tropical Parasitology (Maharashtra Chapter). The conference will take place on 13^th - 14th January 2024 with 3 pre-conference workshops on 12^th January 2024.

The theme of MAHATROPACON -2024 is "Clinical Parasitology: Thinking beyond Microscopy” This conference on tropical parasitology encompasses a diverse range of diseases such as Malaria, Filariasis, Amoebiasis, Hydatid cyst disease, Neurocysticercosis, Hookworm infestations etc. which are prevalent in India.The conference focuses on One Health concept which emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans, animals and the environment and help us to know latest advances in the field of tropical parasitology which will help in betterment of patient care. The parasitic diseases continue to be a major health problem all over the world with high degree of morbidity and mortality especially in immunocompromised individuals. International travel and shifting pattern of immigration warrants the importance of awareness of major clinical syndromes caused by parasites which account for more than 2 billion infections worldwide.

Under the MAHATROPACON-2024, 3 Preconference Workshops have been organized in association with Government Veterinary College, Nagpur and IMS Banaras Hindu University on burning and important topic like:

1. Untangling the complexities is stool examination with basics in association with Govt. Veterinary College, Nagpur
2. Microscopy to molecular: connecting dots for an optimal approach in association with BHU in parasitology.
3. Parasitic infection in an Immunosuppressed host.

There are more than 300 Medical Microbiologists from all over Maharashtra and adjoining states who will be participating in this exhaustive academic feast. The distinguished faculty of National and International repute, Dr S.C. Parija  President IATP, Dr. Tushar Nale, Deputy Director, Centre for One Health, NCDC, New Delhi, Dr Sumeeta Khurana, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr Rakesh Singh , JIPMER Puducherry, Dr. Nishant Verma, AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. Harsha Sheorey, Clinical Microbiologist, St. Vincents hospital, Melbourne, Dr Anuradha De, Dr Sunil Kolte, Dr Sourav Sen, Dr Meena Mishra , Dr Jayanti Shastri, Dr Tuhina Banerjee,  Dr Ranganathan Iyer, Dr Arghya Das, Dr Yagnesh Thakar  Dr Harshul Mishra, Dr Neeta Gade, Dr Vishal Shete, Dr Soumyabrata Nag, Dr Pradip Kumar V, Dr Rahul Garg will give their deliberations on important topics like free living amoebiasis, malaria parasites, neglected tropical disease, one health approach in parasitic diseases, newer diagnostic technique for diagnosis of parasitic diseases, role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing parasitic infections  etc.

Quiz on Medical Parasitology is organized by Dr. Meena Mishra, Organizing Secretary, Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology, AIIMS Nagpur for post graduate students and senior residents. The oral and poster presentations will also be done by post graduate students and faculty members. Best poster, paper and quiz winners will be awarded with trophies and certificates in MAHATROPACON – 2024.

The Inaugural Ceremony will be held on 13^th January 2024 at 11.00 AM in the Auditorium, AIIMS, Nagpur. Dr. Hanumantha Rao: Patron and Organizing Chairperson of MAHATROPACON 2024, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Nagpur, Dr. Vedprakash Mishra, Pro-Chancellor of Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Deemed University, Sawangi, and Dr. Mrunal Phatak, Dean (Academics) AIIMS, Nagpur. The Chief Guest for the ceremony will be Dr. Prof. S.C. Parija, National President and founder of IATP and Dr. Ujjala Goshal, Secretary, IATP. Dr Anuradha De , President IATP( Maharashtra chapter), Dr Gopal Agrawal, Secretary, IATP ( Maharashtra chapter),  Dr Meena Mishra, Organizing Secretary, Dr Rajendra Surpam, President, VAMM.

,

The MAHARSHTRA Chapter of IATP is set to witness the installation of its new leadership. Dr. Anuradha De as President, while Dr. Yagnesh Thakar and Dr. Meena Mishra as Vice Presidents, Dr. Gopal Agrawal as Secretary, Dr. Chaya A. Kumar as treasurer and other state office bearers.

The Organizing Committee of MAHATROPACON 2024 comprises of Dr. Meena Mishra, Organizing Secretary, Professor & Head, Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, Nagpur, Joint Organizing Secretaries, Dr. Neeta Gade and Dr. Vishal Shete, and Dr. Soumyabrata Nag, Treasurer, MAHATROPACON-2024

Master of Inaugural ceremony will be Dr. Sarfaraj Ahmad, and Dr. Swati Gupta. The Souvenir of MAHATROPACON 2024 containing all the scientific information will be released in the inaugural ceremony of MAHATROPACON – 2024.

The valedictory function will be held on 14^th January 2024 at 1.00 pm in presence of Chief Guest Dr. S.C Parija (National President & Founder, IATP), Guest of honor Dr. Manish Shrigiriwar, Medical superintendent and Professor and Head, Department of Forensic medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS, Nagpur, Dr. Ashok Pathak, Ex Dean, VNGMC, Yavatmal.

The core organizing team from AIIMS, Nagpur also includes Dr. Pradeep Kumar V, Dr. Rahul Garg, Dr. Prity Narwade, Dr. Swati Gupta, Dr. Omna Nelumbium, Dr. Rashmi Moon, Dr. Ankita Gupta, Dr. Shivani Choubey, Dr. Binju Baby, Dr. Sandhiya, Dr. Preeti Shahu, Dr. Rashmi Pillay, Ms. Sonali Kamble, Mr. Sangram Dhurve and Mr. Sagar Mahajan, who are working hard to make MAHATROPACON-2024 a grand Success!