Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #173:Circumpolar Human Health Monitoring Network  (Circumpolar Human Health Monitoring Network)

Outline
The objective of this project is to establish a circumpolar monitoring network for health focussed on Northerners, using a population health approach and addressing the determinants of health (Appendix 1). Lack of monitoring data is an impediment to defining health problems, as well as to developing solutions and quantifying the effectiveness of those solutions. The small number of residents in the northern region of Canada relative to more southern regions presents several challenges, including statistical strength in relation to collecting and interpreting monitoring data. Similar circumstances exist in several other circumpolar countries. A circumpolar health monitoring database that provides comparative data from other northern regions will contribute significantly to an improved understanding of existing health conditions and risk factors in relation to the determinants of health. As well, it will provide opportunities for circumpolar collaboration between health professionals, communities, government agencies, non-government agencies and researchers to develop, implement and evaluate solutions.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project will significantly advance Theme #1 by determining the present health status of circumpolar northerners, Theme #2 by providing a baseline from which to quantify and understand human changes in the polar regions related to a comprehensive range of factors, and Theme #6 by defining the key human health and medical issues in the polar regions.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
International collaboration would be essential during all phases of this project to maximize the database’s potential and minimize duplication of effort and resource use.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: TBC            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Yes, the project will leave a legacy of baseline data that will be of use by future IPY initiatives to evaluate changes to the health of circumpolar residents.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Other sources of support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: Database Management

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?

How will the project be organised and managed?
Existing regional, national and international health monitoring networks would be reviewed according to the elements of their databases in relation to the intended end product, harmonized through the work of an international monitoring group, and deficiencies addressed

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data management issues will be resolved prior to any data collection by a Circumpolar Human Health Database management Committee that would be established at the outset of the project.

How is it proposed to fund the project?

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Ms Jody Butler Walker
Box 32054, Whitehorse, Yukon


Y1A 5P9
Canada

Tel: 867-393-3036
Mobile: no
Fax: 867-668-5544
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation