[afro-nets] African Vision Research Institute: Workshops 2008

["Prasidh Ramson" <Prasidh@iceeafrica.co.za>]

Dear Colleagues,

The African Vision Research Institute (AVRI) has great pleasure in announcing 2 Introductory Research Methods Workshops for 2008, in Nigeria and South Africa.

Rationale
- Loss of sight represents a public health, social and economic problem, especially for developing countries. 
- Further, the personal and social benefits of reducing the prevalence of serious vision loss and blindness are undeniable. Amongst other strategies, the importance of research as a tool for health development has been recognized.
- Thus to develop a cadre of trained researchers, who focus on eye health issues in an effort to eliminate avoidable blindness and visual impairment, training is essential.

Target Audience
*Eyecare Professionals presently involved in Research or looking to engage in Research activities.
*Research/Programme Managers from the private, public and non-governmental sector looking to enhance their Research capacity
*Eyecare programme managers within National Departments of Health.
*University institutions and teaching hospitals looking to improve their research skills are encouraged to apply. 

Teaching Objectives
Participants will learn:
1. Basic epidemiology concepts, linked to historical examples and present-day applications
2. Basic epidemiology definitions and measurements used in public health research
3. Introductory research processes, including research cycles, study designs and sampling.
4. The fundamentals of evidence based research - decision making, policy, critical appraisal.
5. Introductory statistical measures - measures of central tendency, dispersion and association.
6. Methods to appropriately summarize, accurately represent and interpret data
7. Research in Action - ongoing research studies as reported from the field by investigators themselves.

Costs
- Nigeria         30th March - 4th April 2008...............US$150
- South Africa    18th - 22nd February 2008.................R2000
Cost includes all lecture material, Teas, Lunch, Certificate of
Attendance, Lecture CD and Group Photo
A maximum number of 20 participants are required for the course. If insufficient numbers are reached, the course will be postponed.

Contact
Nigeria 
Dr Anne Ebri             annyibiang@yahoo.co.uk
Ms. Ntiense Udoudo       ntnoble@yahoo.com

South Africa
Mr. Sandro Thaver        stats@iceeafrica.co.za
Mr. Prasidh Ramson       prasidh@iceeafrica.co.za