Recorded presentation

Jarmila Korcova, PhD and Gabriel Gulis, PhD. Department of Hygiene and epidemiology, Trnava University, Univerzitne namestie 1, Trnava, 917 01, Slovak Republic, 00421 33 5348941, jarmiko@yahoo.com

One of the heritages of the communist regime was a structure of health protection that was based on the extensive collection of health and environmental data. Legislation, and state supervision were the chief supports for health protection in the Slovak Republic. However, the extensive control measures that were used did not bring the expected results with regard to health status parameters such as mortality and life expectancy. To illustrate the weaknesses of this practice and identify the challenges of transforming the public health system of the Slovak Republic, we used the case-study of a nickel refinery. This refinery, located in an area of southern Slovakia, has been largely controlled by regional hygiene authorities from the aspects of environmental impact and occupational health. Nonetheless, systematic monitoring of health status and environmental impact has never been conducted. The first epidemiological study on cancer risk among vicinity residents was conducted recently. It identified elevated, but not significant risk of excess cancer. The major finding is that, as in many cases, excessive health hazards are likely to be present in the form of hot spots. But the lack of monitoring data and funds makes the assessment of such hazards complicated. Cases such as this could contribute significantly to the ongoing transformation of hygiene into a modern public health system in Slovakia.

Learning Objectives:

• The presented paper aims to show what can be learned from transformation of hygiene based system to modern public health system in SLovak Republic. Major enviroenmtnal health challeges of the region will be presented as well.

Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Public Health Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation