Building self-reliance in environmental science: the ITREOH experience.

A 460 VOLUME 111 | NUMBER 9 | July 2003 • Environmental Health Perspectives D ig ita l W is do m , C hr is to ph er G . R eu th er /E H P As globalization of industry and commerce brings forth the need for international collaboration to ensure public health worldwide, the NIH is responding by supporting programs such as the International Training and Research Program in Environmental and Occupational Health (ITREOH). Under ITREOH, scientists from developing countries are trained to deal effectively with environmental and occupational health problems through epidemiologic research, environmental monitoring, engineering controls, and prevention research. Training formats vary in length of time and in the combination of didactic and practical technical experience that they provide. And although the scientists may receive training in the United States, the research is conducted almost exclusively in the trainee’s home country. This program is funded collaboratively by the John E. Fogarty International Center, the NIEHS, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The program, established in 1995, honors the memories of the late Irving Selikoff of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Norton Nelson of New York University, who dedicated their lives to training professionals in occupational and environmental careers. Christopher Schonwalder, director of international programs and public health at the NIEHS, says there are two reasons why it is important to support environmental and occupational health research internationally: “First, it is good science because unfortunately, in many instances there are higher levels of exposure to environmental pollutants in other countries, and we can learn from these situations about what exposures have significance,” he says. “Second, it is good foreign policy because with these training programs we are helping people help themselves.” During its first funding cycle, from 1995 to 2001, ITREOH emphasized epidemiology, risk assessment, and surveillance. In June 2000, Fogarty convened an independent panel of academicians, consultants, and government representatives to review ITREOH. The panel was unanimous in its praise for the program, recommending that the level of funding be increased and the range of countries expanded. With the second round of funding, from 2001 to 2006, the scientific focus of the program has shifted to reflect the need for prevention and intervention research to reduce risks in collaborating countries.