The World Medical Association issued a Statement on the Role of Physicians in Environmental Issues, first in Vienna, Austria, in 1988, and revised at Pilanesberg, South Africa, in 2006, calling for accountability around environmental issues. On World No-

Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Johannesburg, and the main theme is Strengthening health systems in southern Africa - Celebrating 15 years; the sub-themes include health systems research for change; district support and community development; and knowledge management, health

Tobacco Day, 31 May, the World Health Organisation (WHO) called for 100% smoke-free environments to protect children, workers and the public from the dangers of second-hand smoke, with the message that passive smoking kills non-smokers and public places should be 100% smoke-free.

information systems, monitoring and evaluation, governance and equity.

Since 1990 Imperial College London has run a Short Course for Public Health Professionals, on Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases: Introduction to mathematical models of global and emerging

The East, Central, and Southern Africa Public Health Association (ECSAPHA) revitalisation workshop held in Entebbe, Uganda in April 2007, established a foundation for PHAs to play a more meaningful role in the ECSA sub-region.

During October two important Conferences are to be held in Gauteng: the 3rd Annual Conference of the South African Institute of Health Care Managers (SAIHCM) will take place from 4-5 October 2007, at the Kopanong Hotel & Conference Centre, Benoni. The SAIHCM aims to enhance and promote high standards of professionalism in both the public and private sectors in South Africa, and the conference seeks to explore cultural diversity and the impact of women in leadership; and human capital investment and its impact on service delivery.

The Health Systems Trust (HST) Conference is to be held on 10-11 October 2007, to celebrate the dedicated work of the organisation over the last 15 years in support of strengthening health systems. The Conference will be held at the

infections. This year the course will run from 3-14 September 2007, at the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London.

A 2002 Report on the National Survey of the Human Resources Study commissioned by the WHO, reveals disconcerting evidence which shows that nearly half of our health professionals are considering emigrating, particularly to the United Kingdom. Heavy workloads, violence and crime, unsatisfactory work conditions, better salaries, promotion and growth opportunities as well as safer environs for their children came out at as the main reasons for considering leaving the country. However, vital for policy makers and health service managers are the reasons that will motivate health professionals to stay. Better salaries, improved work environments, reasonable workloads, more educational and promotional opportunities and better leadership and management within the sector are fundamental elements to retain the staff that we do have, and to attract new staff.