Challenges and opportunities in global environmental health

Public health, in particular environmental health is a concern that impacts all nations, rich and poor. In 2006 the WHO determined that 27 percent of global disease is caused by environmental exposures which can be averted. Education, training and carefully targeted interventions can prevent much of this environmental risk. The WHO also estimates that more than 33 percent of disease in children under the age of 5 is caused by environmental exposures. Preventing environmental risk could save as many as four million lives a year in children alone, mostly in developing countries.

While the challenges of safe food, safe water, and control of infectious vector borne disease are sometimes overwhelming, the opportunities are very rich for assisting the developing world with expertise and training, and translational research opportunities for young scientists in US school and universities.

Some examples of environmental challenges, such as water pollution, pesticide utilization, and food production will be discussed as well as the opportunities that are available to US and international collaborators in public health partners.