The globalization of public health and of environmental concerns and the need to work with partners outside the health sector pose both challenges and opportunities for our nation. U.S. citizens are at risk from environmental health hazards in other countries. However, environmental factors cause much greater loss of life and health in some parts of the world than in the United States. Applying our knowledge about environmental health overseas may have a large impact on global health in the future. Furthermore, the United States may apply knowledge from other countries to benefit the public's health in this country.
Environmental problems are often complex, costly, and controversial.
Resolving them requires creativity, persistence, and an appreciation for the environmental, social, commercial, economic, and political factors at work in our changing world. And incorporating human health concerns explicitly into environmental policy making is critical to the future well being of all the world's people. However, CDC's vision is Healthy People in a Healthy World, Through Prevention. During FY 1998, we developed a new strategic global plan to identify the most important priorities and to focus the Center's global activities. Consistent with CDC's overall approach to global health, NCEH's goal is to work with partners to improve global health.