Thomas Baker Oration Prof. Sharon Lewin AO, Director of the Doherty Institute
Topic ‘From HIV to COVID-19 and beyond: the role of antiviral therapeutics in pandemic response’
Venue @ Level1 Latrobe Room Sofitel Melbourne 12.30 for 12.50-2.00pm
Cost: $60 (2 course lunch)
Registration: https://events.humanitix.com/thomas-baker-oration-2023
Bookings filling fast and essential.
Until 2020, HIV was considered the most significant pandemic of the modern era. Infecting over 70 million people and resulting in 33 million deaths, the effects were initially devastating but have been dramatically improved with advances in antiviral treatment and prevention strategies. Several major challenges remain including access to treatment globally, persisting stigma and finding an effective vaccine or cure. In contrast to HIV, COVID-19 is a short lived illness but with the potential for long lasting medical complications. Given the global scale of disruption and health impacts from COVID-19, unimaginable resources were mobilized resulting in several highly effective vaccines within 12 months. Antiviral drugs took longer to develop but are now available, but only in high income countries. Both viruses have shone a light on equity as we have seen vulnerable groups disproportionately infected and affected by these two viruses. Looking to the future, far greater investment and global solidarity will be needed to ensure we are truly prepared for another pandemic virus. Tackling pandemics needs science and innovation but also community engagement and evidence-based political leadership. Hopefully, the silver lining in the COVID-19 response will be in galvanising transformative advances to other global health challenges such as HIV.
The Peter Doherty Institute under Director Sharon Lewin has been charged with managing one of the largest donations in Australian history 250million and will go towards research and development of therapeutic treatments for global pandemics before being relocated to the new Australian Institute for Infectious Diseases, due to open in 2027. The centre will aim to attract top scientific minds from across Australia and the world.
Bookings are now open click Thomas Baker Oration Flyer.pdf
SAVE THE DATE AND INVITE FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES ALONG
12:30 on Wednesday 19 April at Sofitel on Collins
The Thomas Baker Oration looks to commemorate Thomas Baker, Philanthropist and our 9th President by showcasing Australians who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the fields of medicine/science/technology/industry and philanthropy. His legacy as an entrepreneurial industrialist with a concern for humanity has been emulated through many distinguished Australians.
