The International American University, College of Medicine hosted a seminar on April 7th 2009 in observation of World Health Day. This is not the first such seminar the university has hosted. In January 2009, an Interactive Seminar in observance of World Leprosy Day, was held as part of the university’s commitment to observe the health calendar proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Among the distinguished guests was Minister of Education, Arsene James who attended the duration of the seminar and gave the closing remarks. The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Josiah Rambally, representing the Ministry of Health, addressed participants giving the opening remarks.

The seminar which focused on themes impacting the Health Services in Saint Lucia, was introduced by IAU Associate Professor Dr David Keyes, who Chaired the Scientific Session of the proceedings. Presentations were made by: Dr Angel Vaillant, IAU Assistant Professsor (Microbiology) who discussed New and

Re-emerging Infectious Diseases; Dr Ayo Adesanya, Medical Internist at Victoria Hospital, addressing Diabetes Mellitus in the Saint Lucia Population. Dr Owen Gabriel, Oncologist at Victoria Hospital, focused on the Epidemiology & management of Cancer in Saint Lucia, followed by Dr Sharon Raymond, Senior House Officer from St Jude Hospital, speaking on Progress in the management of Hypertension in saint Lucia. Pathologist Dr Stephen King expounded on the Epidemiological & Clinical Aspects of HIV/AIDS and STD.

Participants included a contingent from the Saint Lucia Diabetic and Hypertensive Association, Director of the National AIDS Programme, Chief Environmental Health Officer, and other invited guests comprising government workers, police officers, medical personnel including community nurses, members of the public, faculty, students and staff of the university.

The university appreciates the positive feedback received from the audience and presenters who attended the World Health Day seminar.