Indian Ocean Rim at forefront of medical congress in Perth

Cutting-edge leukaemia diagnostic test methods invented here in WA and a host of blood treatment and management issues and innovations are being discussed at an international conference hosted by The University of Western Australia this week.

More than 250 doctors and scientists from 20 countries around the Indian Ocean are attending the annual Indian Ocean Rim Laboratory Haematology Congress, which runs until tomorrow at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle.

Professor Wendy Erber, Chairman of the Congress Organising Committee and Executive Dean of UWA’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, said the congress brought together innovative areas of practice and standardisation in laboratory haematology. 

Among the topics being covered are strategies to minimise the use of blood products and manage patient blood, as well as an examination of major health and blood problems facing the Indian Ocean region.

“The Indian Ocean Rim Laboratory Haematology Congress aligns with the UWA 2030vision to advance the welfare of regions within the Indian Ocean Rimthrough collaborative engagement in research, innovation and education,” Professor Erber said.

“As Australia’s only western-facing capital city, Perth provides an important gateway to the nations of the Indian Ocean Rim. UWA initiated this congress as a means to forge strong partnerships with countries around the Indian Ocean Rim, particularly in education and research in blood diseases and transfusion. 

“It’s also a great  opportunity for delegates across this region to share knowledge and acquire new skills.

“The only meeting of its kind to focus on laboratory aspects of haematology in our region, the congress will bring together an international medical community that is committed to addressing the health challenges facing the region.”  

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater said the University was pleased to intiate and support such an innovative congress.

“As one of the world’s leading universities we play a key role in using our world-class teaching and research capabilities to address the grand challenges facing humanity,” Professor Freshwater said. 

“UWA is a global leader in education and cross-disciplinary and translatable research. This important congress will reinforce the position of UWA as a pre-eminent academic leader in the region.”

The congress is a partnership between UWA, the International Council for Standardisation in Haematology (ICSH) and the Members of the Malaysian Society of Haematology (MMLSH). 

Media references

Professor Wendy Erber (UWA Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences) 08 6457 2325

Emily Stone (Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Communications Officer) 08 6457 7365

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