CAN PEOPLE REMAIN HEALTHY IN A WORLD THAT IS SICK?

Many ecological disasters can be directly traced to careless exploitation of the environment, with human beings as first perpetrator and then victim. Our health closely mirrors the health of our surroundings: this is the basis of the “Ecohealth” approach. It recognizes the inextricable links between humans and their biophysical, social, and economic environments, and that these links are reflected in a population’s state of health.

In the words of Pierre Dansereau, “the emergence of Ecohealth is an historical step.” But what is the Ecohealth approach, and why is it important?. Overview: slide show Chapter 1 of Health: An Ecosystem Approach Resources on the issue

Twelve case studies from around the world demonstrate that research employing the Ecohealth approach is yielding promising results. Overview: slide show Case studies: Brazil - Chile - Côte d'Ivoire - Cuba - Ecuador (pesticides) - Ecuador (mining) - Ethiopia - Kenya - India - Mexico (malaria) - Mexico (air pollution) - Nepal Resources on Ecohealth research

Use of the Ecohealth approach has given rise to many observations and recommendations that can help decision-makers at national, regional, and municipal levels. Overview: slide show Executive Summary of Health: An Ecosystem Approach Resources on lessons and recommendations

This in_focus website assembles a variety of resources on the ecosytem approach to human health. Including slide presentations, short stories, case studies, research reports, books, etc., the site presents an overview of the Ecohealth approach, results of IDRC-supported research, and the important lessons that have been learned.

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