In a globalised world, investing in better health in low-and middle-income countries benefits everyone, both rich and poor. Infectious diseases have no respect for national borders. Poor health in a population hinders economic growth and development. Climate change will create new global health challenges. Through the UN Development goals the world community has joined forces to reduce child mortality, improve maternal health and made a united effort to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other serious diseases.
Heightened effort
An International Director was employed in 2007 to strengthen the Norwegian Institute for Public Health’s (NIPH) international commitment and co-ordinate international efforts. All five divisions of the NIPH collaborate internationally and in 2008, the NIPH will be involved in approximately 80 international research projects. The NIPH contributes to capacity building, participates in networks and carries out advisory functions in various international fora. Representatives from each of the divisions take part in the International Committee to co-ordinate activities, share knowledge and hold cross-professional dialogues. The NIPH’s Strategy for Global Public Health highlights which areas should be prioritised in the period 2008-2010.
A small selection of joint international projects with which the NIPH is actively involved in is described in these pages.
Many types of collaboration
The NIPH’s international commitment focuses on:
- Being at the forefront of national and international research collaboration
- Contributing to improved public health in Norway and elsewhere by participating in European and multi-national fora
- Improving public health in low- and middle-income countries by international research collaboration and capacity building
All three focus areas represent important aspects of the NIPH’s international cooperation, and they overlap to some degree. Although the WHO, EU, USA, Russia and the Nordic countries are key platforms for the NIPH’s international cooperation, the Institute is also committed to contribute to improve health globally.