International Congress on Circumpolar Health

The International Congress on Circumpolar Health (ICCH) is poised to bring together a diverse audience in Anchorage, United States, focusing on the theme Thriving in a Changing Circumpolar Landscape: Wellness and Healing. This event is designed to engage health practitioners, researchers, community members, policymakers, and students who are committed to fostering thriving, healthy communities.

It particularly emphasizes the involvement of individuals from northern Circumpolar nations and Indigenous communities, making it a significant gathering for those dedicated to improving health outcomes in these regions.

Attendees can expect a rich program featuring over 300 participants and nearly 200 presentations, including oral and poster sessions that welcome submissions from a broad spectrum of contributors. The congress will also be a platform for recognizing achievements in the field, with awards sponsored for long-term contributions and for emerging investigators. Noteworthy keynote speakers, including Vanessa Hiratsuka, and award recipients such as Abbie Willeto and Emily Maxwell—who received the Hildes Medal and the Jens Peder Hart Hansen Award, respectively—will enhance the event's prestige.

The event will also facilitate Working Group meetings, allowing for in-depth discussions and collaborations among attendees. The local organizers, comprising the American Society for Circumpolar Health and the International Union for Circumpolar Health, ensure that the content and planning of the congress are significantly influenced by Indigenous perspectives, particularly from the Indigenous people of Alaska.

This inclusive approach not only enriches the event but also aligns with the overarching goal of addressing critical health issues, including the syndemic of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and Hepatitis C. Participants from Canada, Greenland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and beyond are encouraged to engage, and American Society for Circumpolar Health members may apply for scholarships to support their attendance.

This congress aims to foster collaboration and innovation in circumpolar health, making it an unmissable event for those committed to this important field.