An analysis of the capacity for environmental public health surveillance to detect and monitor the health outcomes of a changing climate through an exploratory case study in Nunavut

Abstract

Using a conceptual framework for effective surveillance and through and exploratory case study informed by key informant interviews and document reviews, this thesis explores the capacity for environmental public health surveillance systems in remote Aboriginal communities to detect and monitor the health outcomes related to a changing climate. The findings demonstrate that several activities associated with effective surveillance systems are being performed in Nunavut, including formal and informal data collection approaches to health and environmental information. Nevertheless, this thesis also reveals that the existing health surveillance and environmental monitoring systems are carried out in a manner that involves very little data integration. Recommendations include the investigation of the feasibility of integrating existing data for health-related climate impacts on Nunavummiut and to research and develop the appropriate partnerships between all stakeholders (community, government, academia, others) to better integrate existing health surveillance and environmental monitoring systems.