Secretariat of Supreme Council of Health and Food Security, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (469 Views)
Background: Governance in environmental health is a crucial issue for promoting public health. This governance encompasses the management and monitoring of environmental factors that can influence human health. As a key institution in this domain, the Supreme Council of Health and Food Security (SCHFS) plays a significant role. Method: This study was conducted through a survey of the documents and approvals of the SCHFS (2003-2023) and their quantitative and qualitative analysis in the field of environmental health engineering. Results: The results indicate that out of a total of 140 clauses approved over the twenty-year period, 22% are dedicated to various aspects of environmental health. The highest percentage of approvals pertains to food safety and hygiene (29%). Additionally, 7% of the approvals relate to air pollution, while 26% concern water quality and wastewater management. Among other significant approvals in the realm of environmental health are the establishment of the country's comprehensive environmental health information system and the endorsement of Health Impact Assessment standards. The majority of approvals are associated with the 9th and 10th governments. A total of 18 meetings have been held during the reviewed period, highlighting a lack of meeting frequency. Conclusion: This statistic is directly linked to the importance of environmental health engineering in health policies and its impact on public health, quality of life, and food security. By formulating comprehensive policies and programs and enhancing inter-sector coordination, this council can contribute to improving environmental health and addressing its challenges.
Norouzmehr P, Motlagh M E, Abdollahi Z, Eynollahi M, Taheri F, Khalili F et al . The Role of the Supreme Council of Health and Food Security in Environmental Health Governance: Approvals and Consequences. Iran J Cult Health Promot 2025; 8 (4) :440-446 URL: http://ijhp.ir/article-1-1038-en.html