Pacific Islands TB Controllers Association (PITCA) Conference

In collaboration with the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Health & Social Affairs, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Diagnostic Laboratory Services, and Australia Respiratory Council.

Date: October 21-25, 2024
Location: Pohnpei, Micronesia

COURSE DESCRIPTION & OVERALL GOAL
This conference will convene tuberculosis experts from throughout the Pacific Islands, Australia, and the United States mainland to engage in learning and discussion on the management and control of TB and provide training and networking opportunities for TB professionals in the Pacific Islands region. The conference is comprised of plenary sessions and breakout sessions with tracks for clinicians, nurses and outreach workers, laboratory staff, and program managers.

AGENDA
Click here for the draft agenda. Please continue to check the website for the most updated version of the agenda.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This conference is designed for staff involved in TB management, prevention, and care from each of the USAPI jurisdictions and Hawaii, as well as representatives from various agencies including the CDC, Australian Respiratory Council, Diagnostic Laboratory Services, and the World Health Organization.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION & FEE
Registration Fee: $350

The registration deadline is September 21, 2024.

CONFERENCE VENUE
The conference will be held at the College of Micronesia in Palikir, Pohnpei, Micronesia.

HOTEL
There is no conference room block or reduced room rate at area hotels for this event.  Below is a list of hotel options and participants must contact hotels directly to inquire about room rates and to make reservations.

TRANSPORTATION

AIR TRAVEL TO POHNPEI: Pohnpei is served by United Airlines. Click HERE for the schedule of United flights to and from Pohnpei.

SHUTTLE: There will be shuttle service between the hotels marked with an asterisk (*) above and the conference venue.  The shuttle will pick up participants daily at approximately 8:00am and return participants at the end of the conference.  Shuttle seating is limited to a total of 37 seats, which will be available on a first-come first-served basis.  

CAR RENTAL: Private car rental companies operate throughout Pohnpei, and some hotels may also have vehicles that guests may rent. Participants must contact companies and hotels directly to inquire about car rental rates and to make reservations.

TAXI: Taxis may not be reliable, are often shared, and very few drivers accept single fares.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: There is no public transportation.

IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS
To enter the Federated States of Micronesia, traveler must have:

  • Passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry
  • Copy of roundtrip airline ticket available upon arrival
  • Copy of conference invitation (Click HERE for a general invitation letter; please contact us if you need a customized letter to assist in your travel or agency approval process)
  • Departure fee of $25 that can be paid cash or Visa

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
The PITCA abstract committee welcomes the submission of abstracts for poster presentations on all aspects of tuberculosis control. Some posters will be selected for oral presentation during plenary sessions and at least one co-author must attend the conference to present. Relevant topics include TB epidemiology, clinical, nursing and outreach, laboratory, education, and training, as well as outcomes of program initiatives.

The deadline for abstract submission is Friday, August 30, 2024.

If you have questions or need assistance with the abstract writing process, please contact Carissa Bisnath cbisnath@cdc.gov.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact:
Nisha Ahamed (Global TB Institute): ahamedni@njms.rutgers.edu
Priscilla Moreira (Global TB Institute): pkm51@njms.rutgers.edu
Harry Suta (Federated States of Micronesia): hsuta@fsmhealth.fm
Senolyn Syne (Federated States of Micronesia): ssyne@fsmhealth.fm