Download 1 - Vision 2020 UK

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
(University of London)
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases
Communications Officer
International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB)
VISION 2020: the Right to Sight
International Centre for Eye Health
Job Description
Background
The postholder is to work as part of the International Agency for the Prevention of
Blindness (IAPB) on its joint initiative with the World Health Organisation (WHO),
VISION 2020: The Right to Sight. VISION 2020’s mission is to eliminate the main
causes of blindness in order to give all people in the world, particularly the millions of
needlessly blind, the right to sight. This position will be concerned with both internal and
external communications to members of IAPB and VISION 2020 together with
promoting a greater awareness and understanding of the work of VISION 2020 globally,
using international and trade media, the internet, PR materials and events.
1. The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has an internationally excellent
reputation in public health and tropical medicine, is a leading postgraduate medical
Institution in Europe and is Britain’s national school of public health. A special strength
of the School’s research is its multi-disciplinary nature: leading researchers have
backgrounds in public health medicine, epidemiology, clinical medicine, infectious
diseases, chemotherapy, biochemistry, immunology, genetics, molecular biology,
entomology, statistics, demography, health economics, public health engineering,
medical anthropology, health promotion, environmental health management, and health
policy.
The mission of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is to contribute to
the improvement of health world-wide through the pursuit of excellence in research,
postgraduate teaching and advanced training in national and international public health
and tropical medicine, and through informing policy and practice in these areas.
2. Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases
The Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases encompasses all of the laboratorybased research in the School as well as that on the clinical and epidemiological aspects of
infectious and tropical diseases. It is headed by Hazel Dockrell, who is Professor of
Immunology. The range of disciplines represented in the department is very broad and
inter-disciplinary research is a feature of much of our activity. The spectrum of diseases
studied is wide and there are major research groups with a focus on malaria, tuberculosis,
HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, vaccine development and evaluation,
and vector biology and disease control. The Department is organised into five large
research units comprising: Pathogen Molecular Biology, Immunology, Disease Control
and Vector Biology, Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Clinical Research. There is
close interaction between scientists in different research teams. The Department has
strong overseas links, which provide a basis for field studies and international
collaborations in developed and developing countries. The teaching programme includes
MSc courses, taught in-house and by distance learning, which are modular in structure, a
variety of short-courses and an active doctoral programme (PhD and DrPH).
Immunology Unit (Head: Prof. Eleanor Riley)
Research in the Immunology Unit centres on analysis of the host response to infection at
the molecular, cellular and population levels. The goals are to develop a greater
understanding of basic mechanisms of immunological protection versus pathology, and to
apply this knowledge to the development of immunological interventions and the
identification of correlates of immune status. Our work involves application of state-ofthe-art cellular and molecular approaches to the in vitro analysis of pathogen-host cell
interactions, to in vivo studies in models and to the study of immunity at the population
level in disease endemic areas. Main areas of research include the regulation of acute and
chronic inflammation; macrophage-pathogen interactions; cellular pharmacology; the
production of cytokines during innate and acquired immune responses; T-cell function
and antigen recognition; the mechanisms of immunopathology; the development of
vaccines; and delivery systems for vaccines and drugs.
Current research includes the role of acute phase proteins in resistance to infection,
homeostasis and inflammatory disease, mechanisms of macrophage activation, control of
cytokine synthesis and mammalian lectin interactions (J. Raynes); intracellular trafficking
and secretory pathways of cells of the immune system (T. Ward); the role of innate
responses in resistance to the bacterial pathogens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and
Burkholderia pseudomallei, activity and regulation of natural killer cells and their effect
on macrophage activation and recruitment, regulation of chemokine receptors during
infection and granulomatous tissue responses in the lung against Cryptococcus
neoformans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (G. Bancroft); correlates of protection
against tuberculosis and studies of BCG vaccination, human CD8+ T-cell responses to
mycobacterial antigens and synthetic peptides, use of whole blood assays in immunoepidemiology (H. Dockrell); cytokine and chemokine responses to leprosy, cellular
composition and effects of steroids on skin and nerve lesions of reactional leprosy,
identification of specific peptides for immunodiagnosis of leprosy (S. Young); innate and
adative immunity to malaria including activation of natural killer cells, cytokine
regulation in clinical immunity and immunopathology, regulation of antibody production
and immunoglobulin class switching (E. Riley); transmission of Plasmodium falciparum
malaria including antibody responses to gametocyte-infected erythrocyte surface
antigens, effect of gamete antigen variability on transmission, gametocyte sequestration
and development and gametocyticidal drug therapy (G. Targett, C. Sutherland);
characterisation of protective immune mechanisms and defined antigens in attenuated
vaccine models of schistosomiasis (Q. Bickle); pathogenesis of Epstein Barr virus,
Kaposi's sarcoma virus and other human herpes virus 8-related diseases in the
immunocompromised, tumour (B/T-cell) clonality and TCR gene usage, serological
assays, prognostic markers and diagnostic pathology (A. Thomas); impact of concomitant
viral, bacterial, protozoal and helminth infections on induction of immune responses and
immunopathology and T cell regulation and induction of mucosal immune responses
during intestinal nematode infections (H. Helmby); the identification and evaluation of
novel drugs and drug delivery systems for leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis and malaria,
interaction between antiprotozoal drugs and the immune response (S. Croft, V. Yardley).
Pathogen Molecular Biology Unit (Head: Professor Brendan Wren)
Research in the PMB Unit focuses on the molecular biology and genetics of pathogens
and their hosts in the context of improving the understanding and control of infectious
diseases. Aspects of pathogen biology of interest include: (i) determining the mechanisms
of infection of globally important viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens; (ii) deciphering
the genetic diversity of selected disease agents in natural populations and to determine its
epidemiological impact, (iii) studying immune evasion mechanisms of particular disease
agents, (iv) exploiting parasitic, bacterial and viral pathogens as model biological systems
and (v) developing practical applications including improved diagnostic tests and the
identification and characterisation of vaccine candidates and drug targets.
PMBU currently has funding to investigate, amongst others, the malaria parasite
(Plasmodium spp), Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), African sleeping sickness
(Trypanosoma brucei), amoebic dysentery (Entamoeba), the Leishmania species,
bacterial food borne pathogens (Campylobacter jejuni and Yersinia enterocolitica),
gastric ulcers/cancer (Helicobacter pylori), plague (Yersinia pestis), paddy field
meliodosis (Burkholderia pseudomallei), Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis),
Blue tongue virus, Herpesviridae and SARS.
The long-term aim of PMBU research is to gain a fully rounded understanding of the
complex and dynamic ways by which pathogens modulate virulence and interact with the
human host. Such a holistic approach will vastly increase the scope for the rational of
design of long-term intervention strategies to reduce the burden of infectious disease. In
recent years such a mission has been significantly enhanced by the availability of whole
genome sequences. Members of the Unit are, or have been, involved in several pathogen
genome projects including Herpes, Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia pestis, Clostridium
difficile, Entamoeba and Trypanosome species. The interpretation and exploitation of this
basic information is the platform for numerous new avenues of research on pathogenesis,
epidemiology and the evolution of virulence. Unit members have been proactive in
exploiting the post genome bonanza and have recently gained significant funding under
the Wellcome Trust and the BBSRC functional genomics initiatives, to functionally
dissect Campylobacter, Plasmodium and Trypanosome species.
A genome resource facility and bioinformatic suite are now operational and have greatly
expedited genome data mining, population genetics, phylogenetic and microarray
analyses. A dedicated centre for protein expression and fermentation is near completion.
This multifunctional resource centre will help to translate the research lead that we have
in pathogen genomics into practical applications and will facilitate research on the
structural analysis of virulence determinants and the development of vaccine candidates
and drug targets. More details of the PMB members and the PMB Unit can be found on
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/pmbu/
Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit (Head: Prof Simon Cousens)
The Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit conducts research on the epidemiology and
control of infectious diseases both in developing and industrialized countries. The
research programme is broad, but there is a major focus on four areas: HIV and other
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), tuberculosis, maternal health and vaccinepreventable diseases.
Professor Paul Fine and Professor Dockrell (Immunology Unit) lead a group working at
the long established field site at Karonga, Malawi. This began as a large cohort study of
leprosy followed by a large scale vaccine trial against that disease. Research has now
broadened with immuno-epidemiological studies of BCG effects, helminths, HIV and
filariasis. Dr Laura Rodrigues is one of the principal investigators of a large scale
evaluation of a second dose of BCG in Brazil. She also studies the relationship between
worms and atopy through collaborations in Ecuador and Gabon. In the UK her work
focuses on gastrointestinal infections. Professor Andy Hall has a long standing interest in
liver disease and hepatitis vaccination. Currently evaluations are being made of routine
HBV programmes in Colombia and the Yemen. His UK work relates to adult influenza
and pneumococcal vaccination, autism, and the social determinants of age at infection.
The Maternal Health Group, headed by Dr Oona Campbell, conducts research on specific
interventions and service content to improve maternity care in poor countries. The
research includes studies with an emphasis on understanding the health policy and health
system issues which obstruct the political will for change. This builds on the growing
awareness that the international Safe Motherhood Initiative has neglected the wider
picture by focusing primarily on technical aspects. Research activities also include the
assessment of the effectiveness of specific interventions such as vitamin A
supplementation or clinical audits, and the development and promotion of methods for
monitoring and evaluating progress achieved by maternal health programmes. The wide
programme of research activities is conducted in partnership with UK and international
collaborators, including many developing country partners well placed to influence
policy at the national level.
The MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group (TEG) comprises statisticians and
epidemiologists who conduct research on the public health problems of developing
countries. The TEG was established in 1973, and receives its core support from the UK
Medical Research Council (MRC). Professor Richard Hayes and Professor Peter Smith
are the joint grantholders and, in addition, the Group comprises a number of senior
lecturers, lecturers or research fellows in medical statistics and/or epidemiology. The
main focus of the Group's research is on the major infectious diseases of developing
countries, notably HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD), tuberculosis and
malaria. There is a particular emphasis on rigorously designed intervention trials. The
Group also conducts research on statistical and epidemiological methods. A major
function of the TEG is to provide statistical and epidemiological support to the overseas
units of the MRC in The Gambia and Uganda. The TEG also collaborates with a large
number of other research groups in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
An MRC Co-operative Group, with Professor Richard Hayes and Dr David Ross from the
unit, has been set up to promote work on the epidemiology and control of HIV and
related infections in collaboration with the Department of STD, at University College
Hospital, the MRC Clinical Trials Unit and colleagues in the Clinical Research Unit. In
Mwanza, Tanzania, over 9000 schoolchildren have been recruited to a randomized trial,
which is measuring the impact of an adolescent sexual health intervention on HIV
incidence. MRC funding has been secured to conduct quantitative and qualitative
research on the sexual behaviour of adolescents in rural Mwanza. A multicentre study of
heterogeneity in the HIV epidemic in four African cities has been completed. There were
few differences in sexual behaviour between high and low prevalence cities, but fewer
men were circumcised and there was a higher prevalence of ulcerative STDs in high
prevalence cities. The Unit has carried out a meta-analysis, which supports the role of
male circumcision in reducing the risk of HIV acquisition. There is particular interest in
the role of HSV2 in transmission of HIV since vaccination is a possibility.
Clinical Research Unit (Head: Dr Diana Lockwood)
The Clinical Research Unit addresses infectious diseases of major public health
importance in developing countries. Activities include trials of new therapies, vaccines
and educational interventions; the development of new diagnostic tests; studies to
elucidate the immunological and molecular correlates of pathogenesis and protective
immunity, and to identify genetic polymorphisms conferring protection or susceptibility
to infectious diseases; health services research which aims to identify the most efficient
and cost-effective way to deliver health care; and health policy analysis. In addition to
our many overseas collaborations, we have close links with the Hospital for Tropical
Diseases, in new, purpose-built accommodation on the main UCL Hospital campus, five
minutes walk from the School. The Wellcome Trust Bloomsbury Centre for Clinical
Tropical Medicine is based in the Unit, and currently supports five Clinical Training
Fellows and two Career Development Fellows, most of whom are based overseas.
Much of the Unit's research concerns HIV and related infections; in particular, the
interaction between HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases, and between
HIV infection and tuberculosis. We have longstanding and fruitful collaborations
addressing these issues in Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda and South Africa. Brian
Greenwood FRS is leading an initiative to strengthen malaria research in the School
through new collaborative links in Africa. Research and teaching on blinding diseases in
developing countries has been greatly strengthened by the recruitment of Allen Foster,
who is Medical Director of CBM International, an NGO with programmes for the
prevention of blindness and disability in over 100 countries; our research on trachoma
has played an important part in framing the strategies adopted by the WHO and the new
International Trachoma Initiative for the elimination of blinding trachoma by the year
2020.
Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit (Head: Dr Clive Davies)
This multidisciplinary Unit includes epidemiologists, entomologists, anthropologists and
social scientists, clinical scientists, public health engineers, and geographers. This range
of expertise provides us with a battery of tools for focusing on the control of diseases
that are insect-borne, water-borne or associated with poor hygiene – mostly in developing
countries. Much of the research can be categorised as: evaluating disease control
interventions; investigating implementation strategies - including working with the
private sector; understanding the factors underlying household behaviour in relation to
family health; or determining how control resources can be targeted most efficiently.
Particular attention is paid to research directed at current health policy issues, including
the gap between policy and practice. Notably, the Unit houses the DFID Resource Centre
for Water and Environmental Health (WELL). WELL and the new Hygiene Centre make
up the Unit's Environmental Health Group, which plays a leadership role in research and
operational support for hygiene promotion, water supply and sanitation. The Unit also
houses the largest research group in LSHTM working on malaria control, including the
DIFD Malaria Knowledge Programme and many staff in the Gates Malaria Partnership.
The Unit’s valuable mosquito colonies are used for testing . repellent products and
insecticides in the laboratory. The Unit also includes a major grouping of researchers
using spatial analysis in public health.
3. Teaching
The School offers 22 one year full-time taught courses leading to the Master of Science
(MSc) degree of the University of London and the Diploma of the London School of
Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (DLSHTM). The Department of Infectious and Tropical
Diseases runs or contributes substantially to ten of these courses and the “Immunology of
Infectious Diseases” course is run from within the Immunology Unit. In addition, the
Department is responsible for the three-month Diploma in Tropical Medicine and
Hygiene (DTM&H) and offers a range of specialist short courses lasting usually one or
two weeks. Three MSc courses are also offered by Distance-based Learning, including
one on Infectious Diseases.
4. Research Training
The School offers two doctoral training programmes. The MPhil/PhD degrees are
designed for those who wish to go on to a full time research career. The DrPH is directed
towards those who expect their careers to be more in the practice of public health.
The International Centre for Eye Health (VISION 2020)
The International Centre for Eye Health Group has the goal to promote the VISION 2020
programme for the elimination of avoidable blindness through research, training and
information.
Its core activities are:

research into the control of major blinding diseases with current emphasis on;

childhood blindness

trachoma

cataract

training in community eye health and VISION 2020 programme planning;

collection and dissemination of information for the VISION 2020 programme.
Duties of the post

To prepare the overall communications (PR) strategy in conjunction with the
Advocacy and PR Committee and in line with the overall strategic objectives of
VISION 2020 and take the lead role in facilitating its implementation.

Prepare, co-ordinate and report on activities relating to World Sight Day (WSD),
including development of the theme, producing the WSD implementation pack and
handling international media coverage.

Take lead responsibility for IAPB/VISION 2020 publications such as brochures,
leaflets etc.

Develop and implement media plans. This will include researching and developing
strong news stories, establishing and maintaining good relationships with journalists,
preparing press releases and acting as a media spokesperson.

Maintain good links with VISION 2020 members and encourage their participation
and support in VISION 2020 communication and PR activities. Write and issue the
IAPB/VISION 2020 electronic monthly newsletter.

Participate in conferences and events which help promote the profile of VISION
2020.

Assist in identifying international celebrity supporters, manage approaches to them
and implement a strategy for using and retaining their support.

Develop good links with other VISION 2020 committees, working groups and
regions to gather material for PR/Communications purposes.

Act as the main contact point for external organisations and the general public.

To contribute to general activities of the Group, Unit, Department and School that
help to promote the objectives of the School.
Person specification
Essential:
 proven experience of using and preparing PR materials;
 proven experience of organising fundraising and PR events;
 experience of using trade and international media;
 working knowledge of Microsoft Office;
 excellent communication skills.
Desirable:
 an interest in prevention of blindness.
Accountability
The post-holder will be responsible to the Deputy Director of IAPB, the Head of the
International Centre for Eye Health and through that person to the Head of the Clinical
Research Unit and the Head of the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department and,
ultimately, the Director of the School.
Salary and conditions of appointment
The post is a full-time appointment from 17 August 2005 to 28 February 2007.
Salary will be Clerical Related Scale 5, £21,945 - £25008 per annum inclusive of London
Allowance.