Martin Jones has returned to South Africa and has sent 2 new blogs.

The International Society for Infectious Diseases is committed to improving the care of patients with infectious diseases, the training of clinicians and researchers in infectious diseases and microbiology, and the control of infectious diseases around the world.

The society recognizes that infectious diseases cross all national and regional boundaries and that effective long-term solutions require international scientific exchange and cooperation. To that end, the society's Scientific Exchange Fellowship Program promotes collaboration among researchers in different countries by enabling infectious disease researchers in the formative stage of their careers to extend their research experience in institutions outside their home regions.

The three-month fellowships are not restricted to physicians and are intended to support young scientists from developing countries in updating their knowledge of new, relevant laboratory techniques or in learning specific skills and techniques. Priority will be given to projects that enhance the transfer of technologies to geographical areas where they are particularly needed.

Up to two $7,500 fellowships will be awarded this year. Applicants will be notified after June 1, 2014.

To be eligible, applicants must be from an underresourced country and be under the age of 40; already be working in a research area; and have not had the opportunity to work or to study outside their country or region

Ipas is a global NGO dedicated to ending preventable deaths and disability from unsafe abortion.

Ipas believes that young midwives are essential to ensuring the reproductive health and welfare of all women.

Ipas is sponsoring a competition for young midwives (28 years and younger)to attend the 30th Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives: entitled Midwives: Improving Women's Health Globally. The Congress will take place in Prague, Czech Republic, 1-5 June 2014. All expenses paid for competition winner.

Deadline for entry: February 1st. 2014.