The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Council has unanimously decided that the Society's XXIII Congress and 57th Annual SSC meeting will proceed as planned in Kyoto, July 23 - 28, 2011.

The decision was taken following an official assessment report, including a joint report by six United Nations organisations, and an independent analysis that ISTH commissioned with a professional risk assessment company.

Henri Bounameaux, Chairman of Council, ISTH said, “We reiterate our sympathy for the brave and loving people of Japan who have suffered immensely in the wake of the tsunami and the earth quake in March. Our assessment show that is no threat to health and safety in Kyoto, which is located 500 kilometres from Fukushima. We also appreciate the efforts made by our partners to ensure that all the elements are in place for a successful congress in Kyoto, and we hope for the supportive presence in Kyoto of delegates, speakers and sponsors. Indeed, given the reassurances that the situation is safe, this would be the worst moment to abandon our Japanese colleagues.”

Kyoto Convention Bureau’s international marketing manager James Kent said, “We welcome ISTH’s decision to proceed with their conference in Kyoto and thank them for this show of solidarity with the people of Japan. Japan has been going through a tough time recently but we want to send out the message to the world that not all of Japan has been affected by the disaster and that the country is still open for business. We hope that ISTH’s conference will be able to carry that message.”