Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Development of a Women’s Health and Well-Being Track at the 14th International Congress on Circumpolar Health in Yellowknife, NWT July 2009  ( Women’s Health Track at ICCH in Yellowknife 2009)

Outline
The Women’s Health Working Group (WHWG) of the International Union of Circumpolar Health (IUCH) has reactivated at the 13th International Congress of Circumpolar Health in Novosibirsk in June 2006. Participants initially identified at least four areas of mutual interest, including but not limited to 1) perinatal health systems and challenges, 2) infectious disease, particularly HPV and new vaccine; 3) interpersonal violence prevention and 4) health communication and health literacy. A WHWG listserve was begun in summer 2006 to facilitate communication among the group. To date, this listserve includes about 50 names and is coordinated by WHWG Chair, Dr. Rhonda Johnson of the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). This increased communication assisted in the development of Women’s Health track at the International Network of Circumpolar Health Researchers meeting in Banff, AB in April 2007, including at least one presentation in each of the four areas of general interest. The membership confirmed interest in developing a Women’s Health and Well-Being track at the 14th International Congress of Circumpolar Health to be held in Yellowknife, NWT in summer 2009. Subcommittees were formed in Banff and work is underway. Collaborative research between workgroup members is actively encouraged.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Increased collaboration and communication regarding women’s health and well-being in the circumpolar north.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
WHWG currently contains members from several circumpolar countries, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Norway, Russia and US; others with interest in women’s health are welcome to join.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
NA for fieldwork. ICCH will be held in Yellowknife NWT in summer 2009.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Increased communication between researchers interested in women’s health and well-being in the circumpolar north

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own support

Other support may be pending.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Project is affiliated with Arctic Human Health Initiative (AHHI-IPY FP #167)

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?


The WHWG is a component of the International Union of Circumpolar Health (IUCH) and includes several members of the International Network of Circumpolar Health Researchers (IUCHR). Planning for the 14th International Congress on Circumpolar Health (ICCH) is already underway.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Through a series of subcommittees, period teleconferences, use of listserve and coordination of several key members, including Chair Dr. Rhonda Johnson.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Women’s Health track at 14th ICCH will be developed consistent with the education, outreach and communication guidelines in the Framework document.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?

How is it proposed to fund the project?
In kind donations from membership and targeted fund raising efforts.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Those interested in contributing to this effort may contact Dr. Johnson below for more information.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Rhonda Johnson
University of Alaska Anchorage
Department of Health Sciences
3211 Providence Drive, Diplomacy Suite #404, Anchorage
99508-4614
USA

Tel: 907-786-6545
Mobile: no
Fax: 907-786-6545
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation