Summary of EHP [environmental health project] activities under the "promotion of private health markets" project -- Slovakia, Poland, and Romania

Specific interventions included development, in Poland, and reform, in Romania, of university teaching programs in environmental health, and strengthened outreach capacity and risk communication methods for state health agencies and municipal governments in Slovakia to address pollution problems affecting citizens" health. EHP provided training through a series of workshops in each country, sent two individuals to a training program on environmental health sponsored by the World Health Organization, and funded a study tour/information exchange tour to the United States for partners from the three countries. EHP also provided TA on various topics, ranging from ambient air pollution programs (for heavy metals, ozone, and articulates), to radon gas abatement and ISO 14000 standards, to health promotion and interactive adult teaching methods in Poland. A new Environmental Health Certificate Program is being established, and a new module on environmental health has been added to the Health Promotion Specialist course as a result of EHP"s work. Fifty percent of the environmental health curriculum for medical students in Cluj, Romania, has been revised and brought up to date with current international standards. Populations in four cities in Slovakia have benefitted from the health promotion and risk communication work led by EHP and its partners -- the state health agency and municipal governments. The results of these activities were disseminated at an international health policy conference sponsored by USAID and held in Bratislava in March 1997; at a separate national-level workshop in Slovakia; and during two information exchange and study tours in the United States. Curriculum development and reform efforts targeting environmental and occupational health in Poland and Romania represent sustainable interventions that can result in continual improvements as each generation of physicians and other health professionals passes through medical training programs in Krakow and Cluj. The skills in environmental health promotion developed by local agencies and the linkages developed in Slovakia between local State Institute of Health and Specialized State Institute of Health offices, municipal governments, and citizens have shown each group that meaningful health interventions can be developed and implemented through such cooperation. The activities have created a model of cooperation in a democratic atmosphere that can be emulated by others. (Author abstract, modified)