Registration is now open for the 5th World Rural Health Conference, organized by Wonca, which will be held in Melbourne from 30 April to 3 May, 2002.

The Conference theme is "Working Together: Communities, Professionals and Services - Rural and Remote Health.'

Professor Roger Strasser - Chair of the Wonca Working Party on Rural Health and Chair of the Conference Working Party - said the Melbourne 2002 Conference is unique. "It is the first conference at which rural health professionals from all disciplines will be able to get together with representatives of rural communities, consumers and services to discuss rural health issues," Professor Strasser said. "These issues include the recruitment and retention of a skilled health workforce in rural and remote areas, indigenous health, the link between poverty and poor health status in rural areas, multi-cultural aspects of health care and gender issues."

He said the conference will also address initiatives in rural health such as the use of information technology, the integration of rural, regional and remote health services, innovative education and training, continuing professional development for rural health professionals, and sustainable models of rural health care.

"The level of interest to date has been overwhelming, with more than 400 abstracts submitted by practitioners and students in all health disciplines from 26 different countries," Professor Strasser said. "This as a marvelous response, indicating the high level of national and international interest in the event. The Conference will have something for everyone, and is the chance of a lifetime to be part of an exciting and extraordinary event for the world rural health community."

There is a substantial discount for early bird registration, prior to 15 February 2002, and Wonca Direct Members will receive a further 10% discount providing they register before 31 March. Groups of 10 or more will also receive a 10% discount on the early bird fee, providing they register through a professional organization or a nominated regional representative before 31 March.

"In addition to the main Conference in Melbourne, there will be an exceptional range of pre and post Conference programs at other Australian locations," Professor Strasser said. "There will also be a special program of activities for partners and family members."

The registration brochure is now available on the Conference web site at www.ruralhealth2002.net

Di Wyatt
Deputy Chair, Fifth WONCA World Rural Health Conference
Chair, Marketing & Communication Committee
Email: di.wyatt@med.monash.edu.au