Decisions and development processes in circumpolar health

The last few months have been a time of active international collaboration in the field of circumpolar health. The International Union of Circumpolar Health (IUCH) held its Council meeting, the International Network of Circumpolar Health Research INCHR) its annual meeting and the IPY Arctic Human Health Initiative its steering committee meeting, all in Banff, Canada, in April. This year, the Arctic Council is planning its health-related activities: how to organize cooperation and how to manage these activities. The IUCH and INCHR have been invited to participate in these preliminary discussions within the framework of the Working Group on Sustainable Development of the Arctic Council. This activity is a significant recognition of health and health care by the Arctic Council.(International Journal of Circumpolar Health 66:3 2007)