Improving human health in the Arctic: the expanding role of the Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Working Group

Human health is now a critical component of the Arctic Council's sustainable development program. The newly formed Arctic Human Health Expert Group (AHHEG), a subsidiary body of experts within the Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG), will focus on identifying human health priorities that will improve the health of Arctic residents; engage experts in the field to evaluate possible actions; strengthen co-operation and collaboration between Arctic Council working groups and other Arctic co-operatives; and promote the translation of research into actions that will improve the health of Arctic peoples. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2010; 69(3):304-313)