Host: The Japan Radiation Research Society
Co-host: Asian Association for Radiation Research
WHO REMPAN (World Health Organization Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness and Assistance Network) was established in 1988 as one of the consequences of Chernobyl accident occurred in April of 1986.
The main objectives of WHO REMPAN are 1) To promote the preparedness for radiation accidents among WHO member states; 2) To provide advice and assistance in the case of a radiation accident and radiological emergency; and 3) To assist in follow-up studies and rehabilitation.
As of March of 2004, there are 14 collaborating centers (CC) and 13 liaison institutions in the world and among which, Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) is participating as CC named "WHO collaborating center for Radiation Effects Research on Humans at RERF ". This is one of the earliest CCs joined to this network and the main role is to help WHO REMPAN to achieve its 3rd objectives.
WHO REMPAN has held biennial general meeting 10 times in the past and RERF participated in the 2nd and subsequent meetings. RERF also held the 5th meeting in Hiroshima in 1995. In addition to attending WHO REMAN meetings, RERF has been providing information on health effects of Atomic-bomb radiation based on long-term epidemiological follow-up studies of Atomic-bomb survivors.
RERF is now one of the members of the local network of radiation emergency medical preparedness which was established under the leadership of Hiroshima university. RERF should keep providing useful information to assist the operation of this local network as well.
