Course in Ecosystems and Human Health Program

Course in Ecosystems and Human Health Program

Welcome to Ecosystems and Human Health, an IDRC program dedicated to supporting research in developing countries to solve human health problems rooted in ecosystem conditions.

Health is an essential resource for living productive and fulfilling lives and for development. Many things working together affect human health: the environment, society, politics and culture. Yet the world's poor often live in degraded ecosystems, have few resources to change their circumstances, and may not have attention of decision makers. As the world faces environmental challenges from climate change, expanding agriculture, and increased industrialization, the health of a growing number of people living in poverty in developing countries is at even greater risk. Without healthy populations, economic and human development are at stake. With increasingly interdependent economies and societies, a growing number of environmental issues are becoming global concerns. Studying the ecological and social underpinnings of health to protect and improve both human health and ecosystems around the world is no longer simply good practice, it is essential.

Ecohealth research enables positive changes that benefit human health and the environment. A research approach with Canadian roots, the field is responding to both new and long-standing environmental challenges affecting human health and impeding development. To achieve lasting impacts, researchers need to work across disciplines, engage communities and decision makers, and seek local and traditional knowledge. They need to consider gender and social equity as they conduct research and develop ecologically sustainable strategies for improving health and livelihoods in developing countries.

The Ecosystems and Health Program strives to continue building the field of ecohealth with new knowledge on environmental change, emerging and re-emerging diseases, and on healthier communities in agricultural ecosystems. The Program also strengthens ecohealth research leadership and autonomy in the developing world by encouraging active participation in public debates, engaging in decision-making processes, and building capacity for ecohealth research.