"Responding to Health Needs of WMD Survivors:
The Halabja Post-Graduate Medical Institute (HMI)"

Thursday, July 20, 2000
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Amphitheatre Descartes
17, rue de la Sorbonne
75005 Paris
(Metro: Cluny-Sorbonne, Luxembourg, Odeon; RER B: St. Michel)

The Halabja Post-Graduate Medical Institute (HMI) was established in August 1999 to initiate
treatment and research programs for survivors of chemical and possibly biological and radiological
weapons attacks in Iraqi Kurdistan (northern Iraq). HMI centers were formed at medical colleges
in Dohuk, Erbil, Suleymania and in a Halabja hospital.

A region-wide survey implemented by HMI has identified major medical problems and disability in
adults and children, and doctors have begun systematic studies to determine frequency and types of
cancers, congenital malformations, stillbirths and patients with serious or lethal medical conditions in
order to effectively develop palliative care, prevention and treatment programs.

The meeting will be chaired by Dr. Christine Gosden, professor of medical genetics, University of
Liverpool, who helped initiate the first study of long-term health effects of chemical weapons on the
people of Halabja. Presentations will be made by HMI center coordinators, regional health ministers,
Halabja's mayor, WKI, and other experts.

For information, please contact Mike Amitay: 202-484-0140

Welcome: Dr. Najmaldin Karim, President, Washington Kurdish Institute

Introduction: Dr. Christine Gosden, Professor of Medical Genetics, University of Liverpool

Extent of Chemical Weapons Attacks in Iraqi Kurdsitan (1987 - 1988)
Dr. Fouad Baban, HMI Regional Coordinator, University of Suleymania College of Medicine

Types of Weapons Deployed During Attacks
Dr. Sven-Ake Persson, Swedish Defense Research Institute, Umea, Sweden

Establishment and Objectives of the Halabja Post-Graduate Medical Institute
Dr. Hama Najm Hassan, Dean, University of Salahaddin College of Medicine

HMI Medical Survey Methodology
Dr. Ali Saeed Mohammad, Dean, University of Suleymania College of Medicine

Preliminary Outcomes of HMI Medical Survey
Dr. Farhad Sulayvani, Dean, University of Dohuk College of Medicine

Womens' Health and Reproductive Health Issues
Dr. Christine Gosden, Professor of Medical Genetics, University of Liverpool

Current Status of Health Conditions and Infrastructure in Halabja
Dr. Adil K. Fattah, HMI Coordinator, Halabja Hospital

Support of Kurdistan Regional Government for Halabja Post-Graduate Medical Institute
Dr. Jamal Abas and Dr. Yadgar Heshmet (Ministers of Health)

International Response to Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction
Ms. Kerstin Hoffman, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research

International Development and Advocacy Efforts
Mr. Mike Amitay, Executive Director, Washington Kurdish Institute

Response of Non-Governmental Organizations
Mr. Gustaf von Essen, MP (Sweden) and President of Qandil

Appeal from the People of Halabja to the International Community
Mr. Jamil Abdulrahman Mohammad, Mayor, Halabja

(translation by Mr. Bakhtiar Amin, HMI Council Member, Human Rights Alliance)