University of Kelaniya and RemediumOne Successfully Delivered the 53rd ISCEP in Colombo, Sri Lanka

The University of Kelaniya and RemediumOne, with support from the College of Cardiology, Sri Lanka, successfully hosted the 53rd International Seminar on Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Prevention (ISCEP) in Colombo from October 13-24, 2024. This ten-day seminar brought together 36 fellows from around the world to receive specialized training in cardiovascular epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health strategies focused on disease prevention.

About ISCEP

The International Seminar on Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Prevention (ISCEP) was founded in 1968 by Professors Jerry and Rose Stamler, Richard Remington, and Geoffrey Rose. Created to address the need for training in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, ISCEP provides focused education on epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, and public health strategies related to CVD. Originally supported by the International Society of Cardiology, now part of the World Heart Federation, ISCEP has trained over 1,600 professionals worldwide.

The ten-day seminar maintains a high faculty-to-fellow ratio, emphasizing practical learning and international cooperation. It aims to build a skilled network of healthcare professionals dedicated to reducing the global impact of CVD.

Distinguished Faculty and Knowledge-Sharing Initiatives

ISCEP 2024 featured a faculty of 10 experts from leading institutions worldwide, who guided fellows through key concepts in cardiovascular epidemiology and prevention. Their expertise provided participants with both theoretical and practical insights into effective CVD prevention strategies.

The ISCEP 2024 faculty included:

• Professor Neil Poulter – Imperial College London, UK
• Professor Kay-Tee Khaw – University of Cambridge, UK
• Professor Dorairaj Prabhakaran – Centre for Chronic Disease Control, India
• Professor Shrikant Bangdiwala – McMaster University, Canada
• Professor H Asita De Silva – University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
• Dr. Bamba Gaye – Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal
• Professor George Howard – University of Alabama, USA
• Professor Darwin Labarthe – Northwestern University, USA
• Professor Fausto J Pinto – University of Lisbon, Portugal
• Professor Poornima Prabhakaran – Centre for Chronic Disease Control, India

In addition to seminar sessions, faculty engaged in knowledge-sharing activities, including live television programs highlighting cardiovascular health issues in LMICs like Sri Lanka. They also delivered lectures at the Sri Lanka Cardiology Society on community-based trials, presented on heart disease epidemiology to young community physicians, and led a session for medical students at the University of Kelaniya.

Learning and Engagement

Fellows engaged in structured sessions covering core epidemiologic concepts and public health strategies, with a focus on applied learning. The program also featured a Colombo city tour and social events, promoting networking and cross-cultural exchange.

Looking Ahead

The University of Kelaniya and RemediumOne, with the support of the College of Cardiology, Sri Lanka, extend their appreciation to all contributors to this year’s ISCEP. The program reaffirms the importance of international collaboration in advancing cardiovascular health. Fellows are encouraged to apply their knowledge to tackle CVD challenges in their own regions.

10 Days Summary Video : Click Here