FROM APSSEAR TO APPA: 50 GOLDEN YEARS OF CARING FOR THE ASIA PACIFIC CHILDREN

You are all invited to the birthplace of the Asia Pacific Pediatric Association (APPA) to celebrate 50 golden years of caring for the Asia Pacific children! The 18th Asia Pacific Congress of Pediatrics will be held in Cebu, Philippines on November 14-17, 2024.

Our history dates back to April 30, 1974, during an organizational meeting held in Manila, Philippines attended by pediatricians representing 15 countries. This date coincided with the First Asian Congress of Pediatrics hosted by the Philippine Pediatric Society. The moving force behind the formation of the Association of Pediatric Societies of the Southeast Asian Region (APSSEAR) were Dr. Lino Edralin Lim and Prof. Perla D. Santos Ocampo of the Philippines, who served as its first President (1974-76) and Secretary-General (1974-2000), respectively. By October 25, 1977, APSSEAR became an official affiliate of the International Pediatric Association (IPA).

APSSEAR’s main aim was to pursue the objectives of IPA in improving the health status of children in the region and had a four-point program of action to achieve its objectives: research in all aspects of pediatrics, dissemination of pediatric knowledge, holding of an Asian Congress of Pediatrics every three years, and promotion of national pediatric meetings. From an initial 15 member countries, it increased to 20 members. 

In 2003, it was deemed that a name change was necessary to reflect more appropriately the geographical location of the countries represented in the organization; hence, the name was changed to Asia Pacific Pediatric Association.

There have been 17 congresses so far, hosted by the various member countries’ pediatric societies; the latest was held in Lahore, Pakistan last March 10-13, 2022, and in keeping with the pandemic was a hybrid conference.

APSSEAR or APPA has attained regional and global recognition and through the years, its congresses continued to bring pediatricians together to work towards its goals. 

Great success in the fulfillment of its objectives is the fruit of the joint efforts of the Association’s pioneers, past presidents and officers, and most importantly, its members. On the occasion of APPA’s 50th anniversary, it is fitting that we hearken back to the Philippines where it all began!