Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Executive Board of IAFWP, welcome to the International Association for Food and Waterborne Parasitology – IAFWP. The Association and its official journal, Food and Waterborne Parasitology (FAWPAR) were founded in the fall of 2014 in an effort to bring together scientists and others engaged in various activities for the control of parasites transmitted to humans by ingestion of food or water. The scope of the IAFWP and FAWPAR includes all relevant parasites – protozoa, trematodes, cestodes, nematodes – that may be acquired from eating meat, vegetables, or fruit or by drinking contaminated water.
The biology and epidemiology of many parasites transmitted by food or water are poorly understood and control of these parasites in both humans and animals presents unique challenges. Some of the resulting widespread or serious parasitoses have recently been categorized as neglected diseases. Consequently, food and waterborne parasitology is increasingly recognized as a priority area for study, including the generation of knowledge for practical applications. The goals of both the IAFWP and FAWPAR are to play key roles in the dissemination of knowledge on all aspects of food and waterborne parasitology, to stimulate critical thinking, networking, and research collaboration ranging from basic to applied.
We invite all who work in the areas described here including academia, government, industry researchers, and students as well as individuals working in a regulatory environment to become members of IAFWP. The IAFWP also welcomes corporate membership and affiliation by other like-minded professional societies and focus groups. Membership affords many benefits including reduced publication charges for FAWPAR, reduced registration for IAFWP conferences, and networking opportunities with other members with common interests in food and waterborne parasitology. Members also have access to resources and information within the members-only areas of IAFWP’s website including the registry of members, requests for research collaboration or consultation, and information on opportunities to participate in workshops, training modules, and working groups.
The demand for safe food and water continues to increase and many parasites remain a significant public health risk in both developed and developing countries, and a challenge for international trade and economies. National and international regulatory authorities have recently renewed efforts to address these issues. The IAFWP intends to serve as a major resource for knowledge to inform consumers and regulators of best practices for controlling parasites in the food and water supplies. With that goal in mind, we look forward to growing the International Association for Food and Waterborne Parasitology and we invite you to join us. We encourage you to explore our website to learn more about IAFWP and to consider joining your colleagues by becoming members.
Sincerely,
Alvin Gajadhar, President
Ray Gamble, Chairman