A series of short films about bilharzia, cervical cancer, influenza and malaria will be shown by the Department of Pathology during the Science Festival, in aid of Campod (Cambridge Fund for the Prevention of Disease).

After each film there will be the chance for the audience to discuss issues raised in the films with senior academics from the department.

The department undertakes research into disease processes that are of medical and social significance. These four diseases alone cause hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year.

Jane Rich, Fundraising Co-ordinator, said: “These short films provide a context for the research work undertaken by the Department, showing real people affected by these terrible diseases. They will be interesting for medical students and for anyone wishing to learn more about these diseases.”

Alex Seaborne, Producer at Rockhopper TV, said: “During filming we experienced the dreadful effects of these diseases, particularly on some of the poorest populations of the world. It is very appropriate for our films to have their screen premiere in the University of Cambridge, Department of Pathology, where world-leading research is being done to combat these diseases.”

Order of the films are:

8 March Bilharzia – Professor David Dunne
9 March Cervical Cancer – Dr Robin Crawford
11 March Malaria – Professor Mark Field
12 March Influenza – Dr Paul Digard

The production company, Rockhopper TV, are specialist documentary makers working in international and developing world health. Whilst their films are broadcast on BBC World to 282 million homes in more than 200 countries – they have not been seen in the UK.

The Department of Pathology is based on Tennis Court Road. Films will be shown in the lecture theatre and will start promptly at 1.15pm. Discussions will start at 1.45pm and will be held in the seminar room.

The films and discussions are open to the public who can turn up on the day, although space is limited. To book a seat telephone 01223 33690 or email film@path.cam.ac.uk.

The event is in aid of Campod (Cambridge Fund for the Prevention of Disease) with a minimum suggested donation of £2. Campod is a charity based in the Department of Pathology that raises money to support research into diseases of major medical and social significance.

For more information about this event, and others running as part of the Cambridge Science Festival, please use the link top right of this page.

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