Pasteur Network Annual Meeting 2023 (PNAM)

The Pasteur Network Annual Meeting 2023 (PNAM), jointly organized with the Institut Pasteur de Tunis (IPT), occurred from November 19 to 21, 2023, at the Laico Hotel and Conference Center in Tunis, Tunisia. It brought together professionals from various sectors, including Pasteur Network members, scientific institutions, public health entities, multilateral organizations, civil society groups, and charitable foundations, all centered around science and public health.

The conference addressed overarching global priorities, such as climate-sensitive emerging infectious diseases, the research and development (R&D) and innovation ecosystem, epidemic intelligence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and maternal and child health.

On Sunday, November 19, the opening ceremony commenced at 6 pm (UTC+1), chaired by Hechmi Louzir, former Director-General of IPT. It featured opening remarks from the recently appointed Director-General of IPT, Samia Menif. Additional remarks were provided by Amadou Sall, President of the Pasteur Network & CEO of the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Stewart Cole, President of the Pasteur Network Foundation & President of the Institut Pasteur, Rebecca Grais, Executive Director of the Pasteur Network, and Ali M’rabet, Minister of Health of Tunisia. Presentations included "Tuberculosis – the forgotten pandemic" by Stewart Cole and "Arabic medicine & Arabic civilization" by Dr. Rafik Boukhris.

Following various roundtables and presentations, participants engaged in solution sessions focused on Pasteur Network strategic priorities: (1) strengthening epidemic intelligence and preparedness with a specific emphasis on climate sensitivity; (2) supporting the research, development, and innovation ecosystem in crucial diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics; (3) establishing multi-disciplinary knowledge communities; and (4) promoting equitable collaboration and sustainability.

This year, the conference provided a platform for young scientists from all regions of the Pasteur Network to showcase their research in the key thematic areas.

Funding for PNAM 2023 was provided by the Pasteur Network, the Institut Pasteur de Tunis, and Wellcome.