2. Distinguished guests,
It is an honour to welcome you to these three days
of conferences and debates dedicated to the spreading of
virus Zika.
The always accelerating and violent impact of Zika
obliges the international community to intervene at the
soonest. While Brazil has reached over one million cases
in 2015, the virus is consolidating its presence in the rest of
Latin America, with the first confirmed case in Argentina
just a couple of weeks ago.
The response of the WHO has been immediate: the
statute of emergency has been rapidly declared. However,
there is now a need for a coordination amongst the WHO,
its partners and governments all over the world in the
fighting of the virus.
I hope that this series of meetings and conferences
will be a productive occasion for the WHO and its partners
to raise awareness and produce solutions to stop the Zika
epidemics.
Yours faithfully,
Margaret Chan,
WHO Director-General
OPENING LETTER
3. WHO WE ARE
The World Health Organization is the directing and coordinating authority on interna-
tional health within the United Nations’ system. We began when our Constitution came
into force on 7 April 1948 and are now more than 7000 people working in 150 country
offices, in 6 regional offices and at our headquarters in Geneva. As the world’s leading or-
ganization in ensuring global health, WHO brings governments together to tackle global
health problems and improve people’s well being.
Leadership & Partnership
RESEARCH & Support
WHO provides leadership on matters
crucial to health and engages in partner-
ships where joint action is needed. It pro-
motes the norms and standards that it sets
for international healthcare. It assesses
health trends and articulates ethical and
evidence-based policy options.
WHO shapes the research agenda and
stimulates the generation, translation and
dissemination of valuable knowledge. It
provides technical support that catalyzes
change to the countries it works with, and
builds sustainable institutional capacity.
On February 1, WHO declared
Zika as a Public Health Emergency
of International Concern (PHEIC),
designed to respond to public health
crises of global reach under the
International Health Regulations.
Signed by 196 countries, this
agreement states that each country
strives to “detect, assess and report
public health events”. WHO has also
launched a global Strategic Response
Framework and Joint Operations Plan
to guide the international response
to the spread of Zika virus infection
and the neonatal malformations and
neurological conditions associated
with it.
Our response to
the Zika crisis
4. Considered the most potential upcoming global public
health emergency, Zika is rising in prominence especially in
the Americas and Africa, with the World Bank announcing
$150 million to fight the outbreak; and yet people are not
gaining knowledge of it on par with its rapid spread across
the planet. Experts estimate that within 12 months, Zika
could infect 3 to 4 million people.
The Zika is a disease caused by a virus transmitted by
Aedes mosquitoes, with no available vaccine currently
known to treat it. Only one of five people infected with the
virus develop symptoms, which are average ones including
fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes lasting 2-7 days.
With large outbreaks in Brazil in 2015, health authorities
have been suspecting a link between the Zika virus and
babies born with the condition of microcephaly. Countries
in the South Americas have even advised women to delay
pregnancy. On top of that, recently there have been linkages
between the virus and paralysis syndrome.
To this date, Zika has been spread to 39 countries. The
WHO has warned that Zika is likely to be spread across
the Americas, and the hazard of the virus being carried by
travellers is considered high.
“Zika Is This Year’s Scary Virus”
- National Geographic
5. The Conference takes place in the capital of Argentina,
Buenos Aires due to its relative closeness to the most affected
regions by the Zika crisis. In this country the participants
will be more influenced and they will feel more touched by
the importance of the urge of prevention and need to stop the
spread of the disease.
The sessions, lectures and other events of the Conference
are going to take place in the magnificent setting of the Alvear
Palace Hotel. The main goal of the Conference is on the one
hand the negotiation of political, economic and health policies
to stop the disease and on the other hand the Conference is
an event that raises awareness of the public and calls for a
global donation for the further research. The lecturers and
participants are going to be hosted in the hotel. Moreover, both
private and public sessions and lectures are organized in the
hotel’s conference rooms. The Charity Gala that is organized
in the spirit of generosity and endowment will be hosted in the
grandiose ballrooms of Alvear Palace Hotel.
Event Setting
6. “Possible links with neurological complications and
birth malformations have rapidly changed the risk
profile for Zika from a mild threat to one of very
serious proportions”.
- Margaret Chan
7. Mauricio Macri is a former civil
engineer, who won the first ballotage
of the Argentinian history and is the
current President of Argentina. As his
country faces difficulties to overcome the
spread of the virus, President Mauricio
Macri will participate to the conference
and open the various discussion that
this event offers. His presence is the
opportunity to obtain concrete and
insightful information on the current
crisis that his homeland is facing as well
the policies available to contain and end
the virus Zika. As the head of State of
Argentina, the discussion will open with
the opportunities and challenges that law
makers face in resolving this global threat
that is the virus Zika.
As the Director of the World Health
Organization (WHO), Margaret Chan
will close the ceremony and conference.
Following her travel in Brazil to observe
the impact of the WHO-led measures
for the Vika virus and her meeting with
the Brazilian Minister of Health Marcelo
Castro, Margaret Chan will offer the
public the tools to properly apprehend
the issues at stakes. As she recently
acknowledged, “Possible links with
neurological complications and birth
malformations have rapidly changed the
risk profile for Zika from a mild threat
to one of very serious proportions”. The
WHO thus placed the Zika virus as a
global emergency, in the same category
as Ebola.
Mauricio Macri Margaret Chan
List of Speakers
8. Pope of the Roman Catholic Empire,
Pope Francis will honour the conference
with his presence. He recently argued in
favour of the use of protection to avoid
the increasing spread of the virus. Given
the gravity of the situation, he asserted
that contraception would be favorable in
comparison with the abortion of a foetus
infected with the virus. The presence in
the conference of this very honorable
guest will foster a rich and enlightening
debate on religion and the Zika virus.
The theme of the discussion which
features Pope Francis is “Encouragement
of believers: Contraception is acceptable to
stop the Zika virus?”
As the Minister of Health of Brazil,
Marcelo Castro witnessed the growth and
dangers of the Zika virus in his homeland.
He recently acknowledged that the
mosquito Aedes aegypti - which conveys
the Zika virus - was winning the “war” the
health authorities waged against it. His
knowledge of the difficulties to control the
virus will give concrete insights on how
policy makers can act to solve this crisis.
The theme of the discussion is “Tracking
the Spread of the Virus, Possible Solutions
to Stop the Virus”
Pope Francis Marcelo Castro
List of Speakers
9. As the head of the National Institute
of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
(NIAID), Dr. Anthony Fauci is deeply
involved in the Zika crisis. While the
American government is currently
attempting to design a potential
vaccine, Dr. Fauci argued that it “is not
going to be overnight”. His expertise
of the virus - notably concerning HIV
- will foster a productive and insightful
discussion on the virus, the potential
cures and its spread.
The theme of the discussion is “The
increasing menace of Zika worldwide.”
List of Speakers
Thomas R. Frieden Dr. Anthony Fauci
Former Commissioner of the New York
City Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene,ThomasR.Friedenwasappointed
by the American President Barack Obama
in 2009 as the director of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As Thomas R. Frieden recently admitted,
the virus is still very much unknown and
it is needed to further researches on the
virus and its spread. The CDC released
comprehensive recommendations to
prevent the sexual transmission of the
virus.
The theme of the discussion led by
Thomas R. Frieden is “Funds for Research
and Prevention.”
List of Speakers
10. David Quammen is an American
nature and science writer, which recently
publishedanarticleinNationalGeographic
named “Why Zika Is This Year’s Scary
Virus”. He recently argued that “as we
continue to disrupt those areas and kill
those areas, we will expose ourselves to
more viruses like Zika”. His participation
to the conference will allow the discussion
to develop upon the danger of the virus
worldwide but also the threats of the
emergence of new viruses.
The theme of the discussion is “What
goes around comes around: Correlation
between the environment and the spread of
Zika.”
Emma Watson is a British actress,
model and activist. She began her career
cinema at the age 11 in the Harry Potter
film series, which gained her international
prominence. She is now a UN Women
Goodwill Ambassador, working for
women’s role promotion, especially
famous for the “Heforshe” campaign. She
very recently decided to take a break from
cinema for a year to concentrate on her
fight for gender equality and her personal
development.
Emma will be speaking on the topic
of Zika-related pregnancy risks and men’s
role during the crisis.
Emma Watson
List of Speakers
David Quammen
11. Day 0: Thursday 25th February
Registration of lecturers and participants
Snack bar opens
Welcome speech of Mauricio Macri
Welcome drinks in the Garden of the Hotel
Dinner in the Hotel’s Dining hall
Day 1: Friday 26th February
Opening Ceremony and Presentation of the Issue at Stake
Lunch in the Dining Hall of the Hotel
Session 1: The Spread of Zika Across South and Central America
Discussion lead by Marcelo Castro, Brazilian Health Minister
Theme: Tracking the Spread of the Virus, Possible Solutions
to Stop the Virus
Session 2: The Global Menace
Discussion lead by Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, CDC Director
Theme: Funds for Research and Prevention
Conference Schedule
12:00
18:00
19:00
20:00
10:00
12:30
14:00
17:00
12. Day 2: Saturday 27th February
Morning Participants and Guests are encouraged to discover the
city of Buenos Aires
Lunch in the Dining Hall of the Hotel
First Public Lecture
Dr. Anthony Fauci: The increasing menace of Zika worldwide
Second Public Lecture
David Quammen: What goes around comes around: Correlation
between the environment and the spread of Zika
Third Public Lecture
Pope Francis: Encouragement of believers: Contraception is accept-
able to stop the Zika virus
Start of Charity Gala
Day 3: Sunday 28th February
Concluding Thoughts
Closing Ceremony lead by Margaret Chan
Guests depart
Conference Schedule
12:00
13:30
15:30
17:30
21:00
10:00
12:00
13. Charity
Gala
The Charity Gala Dinner is open to the public.
It will take place in the Versailles ballroom of
the Alvear Palace Hotel.
Different kind of tickets are available to enjoy
a theme dinner with culinary specialties in
tribute to the areas in the world affected by the
Zika Virus.
After a screening of Sean Penn’s latest
documentary on the crisis, all guests will have
the chance to enjoy the incredible Tango show
danced by the best tango dancers of the World,
who won the Tango World Championship in
2015: the Argentinians Clarisa Aragon and
Jonathan Saavedra. Three other special guests
will be performing during the night: Emma
Watson, Shakira and Octave One, who are one of
the best techno DJs in the world and who will
be mixing with the Philarmonic Orchestra of
Buenos Aires.
14. Opening Thoughts by Mauricio Macri
Documentary Screening: “Zika, a Viral Global Issue”
Traditional African Starters
Emma Watson: the pregnancy delay and the men’s role
Traditional South Asian primi piatti
Tango show – Clarisa Aragon and Jonathan Saavedra
Traditional South American desert
Shakira Concert
Octave One and the Buenos Aires Philharmonic
20:00
20:30
21:00
21:45
22:00
22:30
22:45
23:00
23:30
GalaSchedule
Tariffs for the charity gala (per person) :
Bronze Table: 200 $
Silver Table: 250 $
Gold Table: 350 $
Platinum Table: 500 $
The location of the tables are determined by the exclusivity of the offers. Guests at
platinum tables will have the privileged opportunity to converse with the perform-
ing artists.
RVSP by Dec. 31, 2015 at cecile.treboit@who.intl
15. Documentary Screening:
“Zika, a Viral Global Issue”
Along with the WHO, Sean Penn
embarked on an adventure to discover
the effects and threats of the virus Zika.
After his involvement in the aftermath
of the 2010 Haitian earthquake, Penn
returned enlightened on the role
individuals have to ensure global health
and security. Following his recent travels
in Central and South America,Sean Penn
decided to return once more behind
the camera to report on the Zika crisis.
The WHO is thus proud to present his
exclusive documentary on the origins,
spread and consequences of the virus :
“Zika,aViralGlobalIssue”. Itistheproper
opportunity to start the conference and
thought-provoking debates on how to
solve this urgent and dreadful issue.
16. Other Highlights
Philarmonic Orchestra
of Buenos Aires
Founded in 1946, the Buenos Aires Philharmonic is considered one of the most prestigious orches-
tras in its nation and Latin America, and has received several honours in 60 years of history. It usually
performs in the renowned Teatro Colón. It’s current music director is Maestro Enrique Diemecke.
Octave One is an American
Techno band of brothers, made
up of Lenny and Lawrence
Burden with revolving mem-
bers of Lynell, Lorne, and Lance
Burden.They are at the origins
of the second wave of Detroit
Techno music and are well-
known worldwide.
Shakirais a Colombian singer
and songwriter of international
renown. She is involved in phil-
anthropic activities focusing on
universal education and early
childhood development. In 2011,
President Obama appointed
Shakira to the President¹s Advi-
sory Commission on Educational
Excellence for Hispanics. She is
also one of the UNICEF’s Goodwill
ambassadors.
Clarisa Aragon and Jona-
than Saavedraare a young
Argentinian dance couple who
won the Tango World Champi-
onship in 2015 in Buenos Aires,
defeating 40 other couples.
They became the best Tango
dancers of the world and are
proud to perform a extraordi-
nary show for our event.
17. Our Partners
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is the larg-
est private foundation of the world.The foundation
strives to promote international health and reduce
extreme poverty. It is one of the foundations to
finance the creation of the “Global Fund”, which aims
to prevent and treat HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.As
the Zika crisis highlights the dangers of the virus, the
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation wishes to fund
new researches to find possible treatments.
Doctors without Borders is a humanitarian
non-governmental organization and Nobel Prize lau-
reate. It strives to promote and ensure medical aid and
stability to the most fragile regions of the world. In
2015, over 30,000 doctor and medical specialists in 70
countries worked for defend these values.With an an-
nual budget of $610 million, Doctors without Borders
is a leading sponsor of the conference.
18. Our Partners
Samaritan’s Purse - International Relief is a Chris-
tian humanitarian organization, which strived to promote
global well-being over 100 countries. Specialized in public
health and medical aid, this organization seek to offer help
and expertise in solving the Zika crisis. Having gained
experiences in relief missions such as the Kosovo conflict,
El Salvador earthquakes and Iraq, the Samaritan’s Purse
offers its logistical knowledge in order to properly respond
to those infected and in need.
Oi is the largest telecommunication company in Brazil.As
one of the major companies in Brazil, Oi strived to offer
resources to properly solve the dramatic spread of Zika
virus that its country is facing. Determined to play an active
role in this crisis, Oi has become the key promoter of the
conference.
Pfizer Inc. is one of the leading company in the pharma-
ceutical industry. As a fervent advocate of international
health safety and well-being, Pfizer provided in 2012,
along with the Gates Foundation, affordable access to con-
traception to three million women over the world. Facing
the Zika crisis, Pfizer wishes to provide all means necessary
to enhance the researches on vaccines against the virus
and promote new policies to constrain and end the Zika
crisis.
19. Premium
Partners
Follow the latest update about the Zika crisis on
WHO’s social media
@WHO
http://www.facebook.com/WHO
@worldhealthorganization
Media
20. Contact: Oliver Jones
World Health Organization,
Regional Office for the Americas
Av. Presidente Kennedy, 7778
Duque de Caxias CEP 25040-004
Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Tel. (+33) 07 83 78 88 77
E-mail: oliver.jones@who.intl
-For Immediate Release-
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION TO HOST LECTURE SERIES ON ZIKA
BUENOS AIRES - The World Health Organisation, in collaboration with
several leading global health organisations, will host a two-day lecture series to raise
awareness for the Zika crisis and to raise funds for medical research to combat the
virus.
The lecture series features several key figures in global health, politics and
popular culture in hopes to inform the public, raise awareness about the virus affect-
ing Brazil and French Polynesia and create a forum for health professionals to col-
laborate.
Dr Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases, said that the lecture series would raise awareness about the current issue
and start a conversation on a global scale.
“This conference will be a strong spark to ignite a much-needed discussion
about the current situation regarding the Zika crisis, and a fantastic opportunity to
get informed, inspired and involved,” Fauci said. “I am honored and excited to be a
speaker at the event, and to be a part of this globally oriented conversation.”
The World Health Organisation’s Director General, Margaret Chan, recently
classified the Zika virus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern af-
ter a series of Zika-related microcephaly cases in French Polynesia and Brazil. Chan
21. said that the lack of vaccines and cures for the Zika virus was a factor at play in rais-
ing the status of the virus. Several countries have identified a strong link between the
mosquito-borne Zika virus and microcephaly; a birth defect where victims are born
with abnormally small heads.
“The lack of vaccines and the absence of population immunity in Brazil and
French Polynesia are definitely causes for concern,” Chan said. “This conference will
provide on opportunity to connect brilliant minds and help health professionals, as
well as the general public, to become aware and informed about the current situa-
tion.”
The two-day event will conclude with a charity gala at 20:00 in the Alvear Pal-
ace. The gala, which aims to raise funds to support vaccine research to cure the Zika
virus, features a special dinner, tango dancing with world tango champions, guest
speaker Emma Watson and an evening performance by Shakira, Octave One and the
Buenos Aires Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tickets will be on sale between Friday, December 25, and Thursday, December
31, from €200 - €500. The performance by Shakira, Octave One and the Buenos Aires
Philharmonic Orchestra will be televised on news networks around the world.
###
