Centre for Environmental Health

Background and Rationale

Environmental health has emerged as one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and climate change are intensifying environmental risks that have profound implications for human health and well-being. In India, the interplay of air and water pollution, unsafe sanitation, chemical exposures, poor waste management, deteriorating occupational environments, and climate-induced stresses such as heatwaves contribute significantly to the national burden of disease.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly a quarter of all deaths are linked to modifiable environmental factors. In India, air pollution alone contributes to millions of premature deaths annually, while water contamination and poor sanitation lead to diarrheal diseases, stunting, and maternal-child morbidity. At the same time, climate change-induced heat stress is emerging as a major public health threat, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, outdoor workers, and urban slum dwellers.

Equally important, the quality of healthcare facilities is directly linked to environmental health. Many hospitals and clinics lack proper infection control, medical waste management, water supply, and sanitation infrastructure. This undermines patient safety and increases risks of hospital-acquired infections.

The cumulative impact of these environmental stressors underscores the urgent need for a Centre for Environmental Health (CEH) that combines research, policy advocacy, capacity building, and community engagement. The CEH will function as a hub to address environmental determinants of health comprehensively stationed at IIHMR University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Vision

The CEH will:

To be a national and international centre of excellence advancing research, policy, and practice for healthier environments, improved health systems, and resilient communities.

Mission

The CEH will:

  • Generate evidence on environment–health linkages including WASH, pollution, climate, and healthcare quality.
  • Develop capacity among professionals, policymakers, and communities.
  • Promote innovative solutions and technologies for healthier environments.
  • Serve as a platform for multi-sectoral collaboration across health, environment, and development.

Core Thematic Areas

The CEH will address interlinked domains of environmental health through the following thematic areas:

  • Climate and Heat-Related Health Risks
    • Heatwave surveillance and early warning systems in the community.
    • Vulnerability mapping and community-based adaptation strategies, especially in urban slums.
    • Research on climate-sensitive diseases.
  • Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
    • Community-owned safe drinking water access and water quality surveillance.
    • Sanitation systems and behavioural interventions.
    • Hygiene promotion in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings.
  • Air Quality and Pollution Control
    • Outdoor and indoor air pollution monitoring.
    • Health impacts of vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and biomass fuel use.
  • Healthcare Facility Environment and Waste Management
    • Assessment of WASH in healthcare facilities.
    • Biomedical waste management.
    • Greening of hospitals and infection prevention measures.
  • Environmental Pollution and Waste Management
    • Solid waste, plastic waste, and e-waste management models.
    • Hazardous chemical safety and occupational health.
    • Soil and noise pollution studies.
  • Occupational and Worker Health
    • Worker safety in agriculture, mining, and construction sectors.
    • Studies on pesticide and chemical exposures.

Core Activities

  • Environmental Health Monitoring and Reporting
    • Monitoring pollution levels, climate events, and associated health impacts.
    • Developing annual State-of-Environmental Health Reports.
    • Preparing policy briefs and publishing findings in peer-reviewed studies.
  • Policy and Implementation Support
    • Supporting the implementation of municipal and state-level environmental health action plans.
    • Engaging with policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to strengthen policies and governance.
  • Health Facility Infrastructure and Practices
    • Assessing and improving infrastructure and environmental health practices in health facilities.
    • Promoting sustainable operations and green healthcare initiatives.
  • Pilot Projects and Innovative Solutions
    • Implementing pilots on safe water access and clean cooking solutions.
    • Promoting waste segregation and circular waste management systems.
    • Developing green and healthy urban spaces.
  • Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange
    • Offering certificate and diploma courses, as well as online learning modules on environmental health.
    • Developing and sharing best practices, guidelines, and toolkits for practitioners.

Objectives

  1. Conduct interdisciplinary research to address air, water, soil, noise, and chemical pollution impacts on health.
  2. Strengthen community resilience to climate-induced risks such as heat stress and floods.
  3. Enhance WASH access and practices in households, schools, and healthcare facilities.
  4. Promote quality improvement in healthcare services with a focus on environmental safety.
  5. Develop innovative interventions for waste and pollution management.
  6. Provide policy support to governments at national, state, and city levels.
  7. Build capacities of health professionals, planners, and communities through education and training.

Structure and Governance

The CEH will be anchored within a leading academic and research institution, supported by:

  • Advisory Board: Senior experts from public health, environment, academia, and policy.
  • Core Team: President, Senior Faculty, researchers, program managers, technical experts, and administrative staff.
  • Collaborating Partners: Government departments, UN agencies, development partners, CSR partners, and civil society.

Expected Outcomes

  • Comprehensive data and evidence on environmental determinants of health in India.
  • Strengthened capacities of professionals and institutions in WASH, pollution control, and healthcare quality.
  • Improved community resilience against climate and heat risks.
  • Better WASH services and infection control in healthcare facilities.
  • Adoption of sustainable practices in waste and pollution management.
  • Stronger policy frameworks and alignment with SDG 3 (Health), SDG 6 (Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Potential Funding Sources

  • National/state governments (Ministries of Health, Jal Shakti, Environment, Urban Development).
  • International agencies (WHO, UNICEF, UNEP, World Bank, USAID, UNDP, Water.org, Welcome Trust, and others).
  • Bilateral and multilateral donors.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments (IDM, HCL, and other likeminded organisations working in environmental health).
  • Competitive grants and research foundations.


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IIHMR University

1, Prabhu Dayal Marg,Near Sanganer Airport, Jaipur - 302029

Phone: 91-141-3924700, 2791431-32

E-mail: iihmr@iihmr.edu.in

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Last Updated on: 04-09-2025

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