Public health

What the Nordic countries have in common is that we have built societies based on a strong welfare model. Active welfare policies are pursued in all the Nordic countries, but despite this, health inequalities are increasing in the population. Public health encompasses all aspects of health – physical, mental and social. We work to improve the conditions for people of all ages and genders to live the healthiest life possible.

Our public health efforts focus on the exchange of experiences for a knowledge-based and effective public health policy, equitable health and increased knowledge about how we can mitigate the primary risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity.

The work of the Nordic Welfare Centre contributes to the shared vision behind the Nordic cooperation – that the Nordic region will be the world’s most sustainable and integrated region by 2030.

Areas in which we work

Our work in the field of public health is primarily commissioned by the Nordic Committee of Senior Officials for Health and Social Affairs (ÄK-S), which is part of the Nordic Council of Ministers for Health and Social Affairs (MR-S).

With respect to our public health work, Goal 2 is the key objective in the Nordic Council of Ministers’ cooperation programme for health and social affairs.

Goal 2: The Nordic Region shall promote good physical and mental health, well-being and quality of life for all.

• Target 2.1: All citizens shall have access to early, preventive, health-promoting, and rehabilitative interventions to help reduce health inequalities.
• Target 2.2: No one should struggle due to psychological vulnerability or involuntary loneliness.

At the Nordic Welfare Centre, we work on projects, release publications, organise events and manage networks.

Current and completed projects in the field of public health may be found here.

Publications released in the field of public health may be found here.

Upcoming and previous events in the field of public health may be found here.

Nordic networks in the field of public health may be found here.

PopNAD is our popular science website for Nordic social science research into alcohol, drugs, doping, tobacco and gambling.

Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs (NAD) is our scientific journal on research into alcohol and drugs in the Nordic region.