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PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER It is with a great pleasure that I can look back on 2009 as a year in which WOFAPS triumphed in the face of adversity. Although we were all surrounded by a crippling economy, I am proud to say that due to our determination and collective goal of improving the surgical care of children throughout the world, we joined together to make 2009 a very successful year indeed. As many of you may be aware, 2009 saw the initiation of the WOFAPS Foundation Scholarships. I am pleased to report that this initiative has gone from strength to strength and applications are now being received. These scholarships will allow young pediatric surgeons from developing countries to spend up to three months of clinical observership in well recognized and established pediatric surgical teaching centres in various parts of the world. Another highlight of 2009 was the inauguration of WOFAPS Regional Executive Committee Meeting in Hong Kong at the time of the PAPS Meeting. This vibrant city was the perfect setting for what proved to be a very successful Asian Regional meeting with a large turnout of WOFAPS delegates, particularly from Asian countries. This year the WOFAPS Regional Meeting is scheduled to take place in Havana, Cuba at the time of the Ibero-Americano Congress in March 2010 and the main WOFAPS Executive Committee meeting will take place in New Delhi at the time of the World Congress in 2010. I look forward to meeting delegates from various countries both in Havana and in New Delhi. In line with our overall goal, I am pleased to report that WOFAPS is organizing a Summit Meeting of the Presidents or their representatives of the APSA, AAP, BAPS, CAPS, EUPSA, PAPS and WOFAPS in June 2010 at the time of EUPSA Meeting in Berne, Switzerland. The main purpose of this Summit Meeting would be to pool resources from these organizations to help our colleagues in the developing world to improve the surgical care of children. In 2009, WOFAPS Foundation, like all other organizations, was affected by the downturn in the economy. In light of this, our fundraising efforts took a significant hit. I am sure that all of you will join me, in viewing this issue not as an obstacle but as a challenge. Once again, I am sure that I can rely on the unyielding determination of each and every one of you in pulling together to raise awareness of WOFAPS in the wider community and increase our fundraising efforts. Professor Devendra Gupta is working hard and making great progress with the arrangements for the 3rd World Congress of Pediatric Surgery to be held in New Delhi from 21st to 24th October 2010. I have no
doubt that the World Congress will be a very successful and a memorable conference both scientifically and socially. I invite you all, along with your families, to experience the age-old traditions, vibrant culture and breathtaking attractions in ‘Incredible India’. I wish to thank Professor Boix Ochoa, our Secretary General, and members of the Executive Committee for their extraordinary support and exceptional hard work throughout the year. Looking forward to meeting you all in New Delhi. February 2010 PREM PURI
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