Conferences and Meetings

Global Strategy Task Force

This group was formed in February 1992 in Sydney. Following discussions with researchers over more than a decade, Kaarene Fitzgerald decided that a formal linking of international efforts in the areas of research and education would advance and enhance research and health promotion activities.

This initiative followed the successful networking of SIDS groups through SIDS International and the specially focused international conferences bringing together researchers, health professionals and parents.

The first meeting was organised in conjunction with SIDS International, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health USA and in collaboration with the World Health organisation. It was the first international forum in which three groups - parents, scientists and health professionals met to plan and develop research and intervention strategies for SIDS.

The first meeting was attended by 70 delegates from 16 countries divided into 4 working groups - Pathology, Epidemiology, Developmental Physiology and Education and Training.

Each of the working groups defined their structure, membership and agenda for the ensuing two years. Despite difficulties of distance and funding tremendous advances were made during the 8 active years of meeting.

They include:

• development of an international definition of SIDS
• development of an international tissue protocol
• development of an international death scene protocol
• identification of risk factors for SIDS
• development of health promotion programs to reduce the risk of SIDS
• development of a training program for health professionals regarding sudden infant death

The Global Strategy Task Force has now merged with ISPID (International Society for the Prevention of Infant Death). This new organisation was created by the merge of ESPID (European Society for the Prevention of Infant Death and GSTF.