14 th international congress on circumpolar health

Abstract

The presentations - 240 papers in plenary, concurrent sessions, and poster sessions - covered a wide spectrum of issues pertinent to the state of health and wellbeing in circumpolar populations. The general theme could be described as "Health Care in the Circumpolar World", with excellent presentations on Greenland, Canada and Alaska. The sub-themes, addressed both by practitioners and researchers, could be grouped as follows: health services delivery; health promotion; lifestyle-related conditions, such as diabetes, nutrition, obesity, tobacco, alcohol and drugs; mental health, violence, abuse, suicides; environmental contaminants; arctic climate assessment; maternal and child health; and research and training needs. An issue of increasing relevance is the utilization of telehealth technology in the Arctic regions. The need for intensified prevention and health promotion activities was stressed in virtually all areas, along with essential political leadership support to achieve results. The Canadian Society of Circumpolar Health (CSCH) held its annual general assembly just prior to the official opening of the Congress. Elections were held for the executive positions, as well as for regional representatives on the CSCH Regional Advisory Council. Mr. [Earl Nowgesic] is the newly-elected CSCH President, with Dr. Laura Arbour as CSCH secretary, and Mr. Mark Buell as CSCH Treasurer. As CSCH past president, Mabel Horton remains as a vital and valued member of the new Executive Committee.