Over the last few years Neighbourhood Network in Palliative Care ( NNPC) groups in Kerala have been able to evolve a system of care to improve the quality of life in people with incurable diseases. The work involves trying to address the physical, social, emotional and 'spiritual' problems of the patient and family.
We are planning to hold an international conference in November 2004 to explore the major issues related to community participation using palliative care and NNPC as the 'entry point' for discussions.

This workshop is expected to discuss the theoretical and practical issues related to community involvement in health related issues generally and in palliative care specifically. The event will also offer an opportunity for the participants to work with the volunteer groups in the community for an exposure to the community programs in palliative care in Kerala.


The possible topics for the Workshop will include

· Psycho social care in the community 
· Facilitation of community participation - Neighbourhood Network in Palliative Care 
· The scope and limits of community participation in health care programs
· Fund raising for health care activities in the community
· HIV / AIDS related issues: Challenges before Third World as against the Western Experience
· Community Participation in health and related areas -Experience from the rest of the World
· Research with community involvement 

Registration Fee (Till 30 September 2004):
Delegates from India: INR 500
The rest of the Developing World: US$ 100
Developed World: US$ 300

The registration fee will cover right to attend sessions, background material, working lunch / refreshments during the sessions. Fee can be remitted through cheques / drafts in favour of 'International Workshop 2004, Kerala'.
For details, please contact
International Workshop on Community Participation in Palliative Care
Institute of Palliative Medicine
Medical College, Calicut
Kerala 673008
India
Fax: 0091 495 2354897
Email: nnpc_conference@yahoo.co.in 
.
As the proposed theme for the next International Conference of Indian association of Palliative Care (11, 12, 13 February 2005, Guwahati, Assam) is also the same, the November workshop is expected to act also as a pre conference workshop for February Conference. These two events, together, we hope, will help in evolving some guidelines / action plans / suggestions for community oriented palliative care services in the Third World.

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