Ecohealth research in Southeast Asia : past, present and the way forward

Abstract

The introduction of Ecohealth in Southeast Asia (SEA) was stimulated by emergence of avian influenza, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and other persistent zoonotic diseases. Interlinkages of health and the environment are particularly acute in SEA where rapid agricultural intensification, rural–urban transitions and climate change are having profound effects on ecosystems. The objective of this paper is to review Ecohealth activities within Southeast Asia over the last 10 years, to address the lessons learned, challenges faced, and the way forward for Ecohealth in the region. Activities range from those focusing purely on capacity, projects focusing on research, and projects covering both.