Harnessing University Strengths in Multisectoral Collaborations for Planetary Health.

Although significant achievements in human health have been made globally, progress has been made possible, in part, through unconstrained use of natural resources. As the health of our planet worsens, human health is also endangered. Scholars and policymakers from diverse disciplines highlighted complex, multisectoral approaches for addressing poor dietary intake, over- and undernutrition, and chronic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa at the Agriculture, Nutrition, Health, and the Environment in Africa Conference held at Harvard University on 6-7 November 2017. A planetary health approach to addressing these challenges offers a unique opportunity to advance solutions for environmental and social factors that influence agriculture, nutrition, and overall health in the larger context of rapid population growth and transitions in food systems and livelihoods. This paper outlines 3 key avenues for universities to promote science at the intersection of public health and the environment in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sustainable food systems for optimal planetary health.

Sustainable food systems are an important component of a planetary health strategy to reduce the threat of infectious disease, minimize environmental footprint and promote nutrition. Human population trends and dietary transition have led to growing demand for food and increasing production and consumption of meat, amid declining availability of arable land and water. The intensification of livestock production has serious environmental and infectious disease impacts. Land clearing for agriculture alters ecosystems, increases human-wildlife interactions and leads to disease proliferation. Context-specific interventions should be evaluated towards optimizing nutrition resilience, minimizing environmental footprint and reducing animal and human disease risk.

Innovation: Applying Knowledge in Development

It describes approaches for effectively applying science, technology, and innovation to achieving the MDG’s Goals. It outlines key areas for policy action, including focusing on platform (generic) technologies; improving infrastructure services as a foundation for technology; improving higher education in science and engineering and redefining the role of universities; promoting business activities in science, technology, and innovation; improving the policy environment; and focusing on areas of underfunded research for development. The report draws on experiences from throughout the world to show how developing and developed countries have used science, technology, and innovation to achieve their development goals.(Au) Available online as PDF file [220p.]

Global governance of technology. Meeting the needs of developing countries. Synthesis Report

This report is a synthesis of a series of seminars, workshops and conferences organized by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University and the Center for International Development at Harvard University from 1999 to 2001. The events outlined the key research and policy aspects of the role of science and technology in economic growth in developing countries.