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Arctic Human HealthA cluster of projects and activities in relation to Arctic human health (see below) has resulted in the creation of the SDWG Arctic Human Health Expert Group (AHHEG). The AHHEG will assist the SDWG in identifying Arctic human health issues and priorities, coordinating SDWG Arctic human health projects and activities, identifying possible new projects and activities, and cooperating with other working groups on Arctic human health issues.
Arctic Human Health Initiative (AHHI) (USA)
The Arctic Human Health Initiative (AHHI) is an Arctic Council SDWG IPY initiative that aims to build and expand on existing Arctic Council and International Union for Circumpolar Health’s (IUCH) human health research activities. The human health legacy of the IPY will be increased visibility of the human health concerns of arctic communities, revitalization of cooperative arctic human health research focused on those concerns, the development of health policies based on research findings, and the subsequent implementation of appropriate interventions, prevention and control measures at the community level. AHHI organized an international workshop on climate change and human health in the Arctic in Anchorage, Alaska. The workshop re-examined and reaffirmed the conclusions of the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment Report. AHHI organized another workshop as part of the 6th International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences in Nuuk, Greenland. A comprehensive report on AHHI activities will be published as a special IPY supplement of the April 2009 International Journal of Circumpolar Health. As the Arctic Human Health Experts Group (AHHEG) begins to function, the activities of AHHI will gradually be absorbed into the AHHEG as its capacity develops.
International Circumpolar Surveillance: Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in the Arctic (ICS)(USA)
Human health is a critical component of any sustainable development program. With increased air travel and international trade, Arctic communities are no longer isolated from infectious disease threats. Circumpolar surveillance of infectious diseases may serve as an early warning system of emerging threats and provide increased capacity to monitor the effectiveness of public health control measures. The purpose of this project is to establish an integrated International Circumpolar Surveillance (ICS) system for infectious diseases by creating a network of hospital and public health laboratories throughout the Arctic. The network allows collection and sharing of uniform laboratory and epidemiologic data between Arctic countries and assists in the formulation of prevention and control strategies.
During the Norwegian chairmanship, ICS continued surveillance of invasive bacterial diseases and established working groups on tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and Heliobacter pylori, while laying the foundation for the establishment of a working group on sexually transmitted infections. In addition, in 2008, the activities were expanded into the Russian Federation. A workshop was conducted on ICS and agreement reached that Russia would participate with initial involvement in the tuberculosis working group. ICS will continue its efforts after the establishment of the Arctic Human Health Experts Group. A comprehensive report on ICS activities will be published as a special IPY supplement of the April 2009 International Journal of Circumpolar Health. Based on its nine years of successful activities, the ICS could be considered a model Sustained Arctic Observing Network for human health.
Telemedicine (USA)This project, participated in by the USA and the Russian Federation, was implemented by the Northern Forum, an observer organization. The goal of the Telemedicine pilot project is to promote the establishment of a mutually beneficial collaboration in telemedicine, telehealth, mobile medicine and distance learning in remote areas of the Russian north. From 2004 to 2008 the project organized a series of visits, workshops, and information exchanges in Khanty-Mansiysk and Sakha. In Khanty-Mansiysk there are now 52 telemedicine stations operating, as well as a boat with telemedicine equipment to bring health services to communities with no clinics. Thanks to the project, nearly 150 tele-training sessions and 300 regional videoconferences have been held. Telemedicine experts from Alaska were integral members of the project team and served as advisors to the Russian regions. Following the completion of the project, it is expected that participants will continue to collaborate independently.
Other SDWG Health-Related Activities- Research & Action Plan for Human Health Risk Reduction in the Arctic (Russia)
- Advancing Alcohol & Drug Abuse Treatment in the Circumpolar North (USA)
Last Updated: 2009-04-02
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