African biology, health congress scheduled in April

The first African congress on biology and health will be held in Setif, Algeria, from 23- 25 April to assess the continent's botanical resources and their medical use, the pan-African news agency, PANA, reported.

Several professors and researchers in biology and health from Africa and Europe as well as Algerian academics and experts are expected to attend the meeting.

Themes at the meeting will include "Africa, a source of medical plants," "the vital activity of plants in the North and South of Africa" and "research experience in para-medical plants on the African continent."

Cultural and artistic events, a round table on botanical activity in Africa, and a photo exhibit on the sites of medical plants will be held during the meeting.

Participants will also review experiments being made to develop efficacious treatments for a number of diseases, including AIDS.