Sustainable Health is ensuring optimal well-being for all in harmony with nature.
At the Faculty of Medicine, we are dedicated to advancing sustainable health through innovative research and education.
Sustainable health encompasses the pursuit of optimal well-being for all individuals, both present and future, while respecting the limits of our planet.
Our primary focus areas within sustainable health include
Climate and Health
We explore the health implications of climate change and environmental degradation (planetary health), the interconnections between human health and other biological systems (one health), and the health sector's environmental impact.
Prevention
We advocate for a healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet, and improved health literacy among the population to enhance public health and minimize chronic diseases and other health issues.
Resource Allocation
We devise strategies to optimize the use of scarce health resources equitably, ensuring universal access to essential health services and medical treatments.
Over-diagnosis and Over-treatment
We generate insights to facilitate wise decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment, aiming to reduce unnecessary procedures that strain the healthcare system and may harm patients.
Global Health
We strive to address global health disparities and promote a more equitable distribution of health resources through collaborative initiatives and partnerships with countries in the Global South.
Social Determinants
We examine how social, economic, and political factors influence individual and societal health and advocate for robust governance systems and cross-sectoral interventions.
Health Preparedness
We formulate strategies to tackle future health crises and pandemics, emphasizing early intervention, preparedness, and efficient response to minimize adverse effects on public health.
Sustainable Health Unit
To further our commitment to sustainable health, the Faculty of Medicine has established the Sustainable Health Unit (SUSTAINIT) and the Center for Sustainable Healthcare Education (SHE), both of which serve as knowledge hubs and collaborative platforms for researchers, students, and external partners.
Contact
If you have questions or input regarding sustainability at the Faculty of Medicine, contact Dean Hanne Flinstad Harbo.