FOR 2007–2013

Governments should address the health impacts and implications of the following priority areas of environmental concern at the local, national, regional and global levels:

• Air quality
• Water, sanitation and hygiene
• Solid and hazardous waste
• Toxic chemicals and hazardous substances
• Climate change, ozone depletion and ecosystem changes
• Contingency planning, preparedness and response in environmental health emergencies
• Health Impact Assessment

A Thematic Working Group has been formed for each of the priority area.

In addressing these priorities, countries can be guided by the following criteria:
areas where environmental conditions create or tend to create the greatest burden on disease and mortality; emerging significant risks where impact information may not yet be fully available; vulnerable population groups; and environmental management systems under the threat of deterioration due to aging and environmental degradation.

The importance of multisectoral planning and community mobilization should be kept in mind. The adoption of healthy lifestyles and other preventive measures should be underscored. The need for joint efforts and regional and international cooperation should be acknowledged. Capacity building, information dissemination, education, training and further studies should be promoted.