The Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Child Health has been conducting annual perinatal audits since 2002. As part of these audits we have also been hosting Perinatology symposia; past conference themes have included “Problems being born to soon,” “The Unborn baby,” and “Perinatal Epidemiology.” Some of our previous distinguished lecturers have been Dr William Adu-Krow, Coordinator Maternal Child Health Desk, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Barbados , Dr. Ernest Pate Regional PAHO Representative, Jamaica and Dr. Fernando Barros Director of the Centre for Latin American Perinatal Studies.

The theme for our 2007 Symposium is Perinatal Nutrition, it will be held on 9-10 February, 2007 at the Main Lecture Theatre at the University Hospital of the West Indies . We have confirmed two overseas Guest Lecturers, Professor Alan Jackson, Professor of Human Nutrition and Director of the Institute of Human Nutrition , School of Medicine , Southhampton General Hospital and Dr. Maxine Clarke, Assistant Professor of Paediatrics, Queen's University Ontario a UWI Alumnus. The primary objective of this conference is to educate health care professionals about management of problems in our area of expertise.

This year we have a very diverse and comprehensive programme. On Day 1, February 9, there will be the Keynote Address given by Professor A. Jackson “Long term effects of Impaired Inutero Nutrition”. This will be followed by the morning session during which there will be the Perinatal Audit, the evening session 1.30-4.30 pm will comprise of four concurrent workshops; Breastfeeding, Maternal Nutrition (hosted by The Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute), Obesity in Pregnancy and Ultrasound Assessment of foetal growth. Day two will consist of eleven lectures on maternal, foetal and neonatal nutrition. We do hope you will find the time to join us.