Global health
In a healthy world, it is not only people who thrive. Human health cannot be separated from the health of animals, plants and ecosystems. When animals and plants suffer from global developments, such as the effects of climate change, people suffer too. How can we bring back balance to the health of everything that lives?
About global health
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What is health?
There is no single, universal definition of health – it can be viewed in many different ways. It certainly goes beyond medical care. WUR also includes the conditions for wellbeing, such as healthy and safe food, clean water and an optimal lifestyle. We look at health in this full breadth: from consumer behaviour to the design of our food system. And we study not only human health, but the health of all living things, because they are closely interrelated.
How does WUR approach health?
WUR approaches health as a single, interconnected whole in which the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems is inseparable. The food system is a central link in that wider whole. Nutrition is a major determinant of human health. At the same time, our food supply depends on healthy ecosystems, which provide healthy soils, clean water and other conditions for sustainable agriculture. Through food systems we are also connected to many other forms of life on Earth: we live among our crops and livestock, and share our ecosystems with wild animals and insects.
What are the major global health challenges?
People are living longer, but are also spending more of their lives with illness or limitations. A major concern is the rise of both undernutrition and overweight. The number of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, is also increasing, partly driven by unhealthy lifestyles.
In animals, infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance pose growing threats. Zoonoses — infectious diseases that pass from animals to humans — present a particular challenge. Human activities that disrupt natural systems are bringing wildlife, livestock and people into closer contact. In addition, pressure on ecosystems affects the stability of our food system, and therefore the health of both humans and animals.
What is health?
There is no single, universal definition of health – it can be viewed in many different ways. It certainly goes beyond medical care. WUR also includes the conditions for wellbeing, such as healthy and safe food, clean water and an optimal lifestyle. We look at health in this full breadth: from consumer behaviour to the design of our food system. And we study not only human health, but the health of all living things, because they are closely interrelated.
How does WUR approach health?
WUR approaches health as a single, interconnected whole in which the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems is inseparable. The food system is a central link in that wider whole. Nutrition is a major determinant of human health. At the same time, our food supply depends on healthy ecosystems, which provide healthy soils, clean water and other conditions for sustainable agriculture. Through food systems we are also connected to many other forms of life on Earth: we live among our crops and livestock, and share our ecosystems with wild animals and insects.
What are the major global health challenges?
People are living longer, but are also spending more of their lives with illness or limitations. A major concern is the rise of both undernutrition and overweight. The number of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, is also increasing, partly driven by unhealthy lifestyles.
In animals, infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance pose growing threats. Zoonoses — infectious diseases that pass from animals to humans — present a particular challenge. Human activities that disrupt natural systems are bringing wildlife, livestock and people into closer contact. In addition, pressure on ecosystems affects the stability of our food system, and therefore the health of both humans and animals.
A healthy future for everything that lives
In the future, good health and wellbeing for everyone will no longer be a distant ambition, but a natural starting point. We will no longer view people, animals, plants or ecosystems in isolation, but understand health as something that connects species and systems — and as a shared responsibility. And as health improves, other sustainable development goals also become more achievable, such as reducing poverty, ensuring education for all, and protecting and restoring biodiversity and ecosystems.
A health transition in progress
Impactful projects (7)
Building a healthy world together
Health does not exist in isolation. Human health is intertwined with the health of animals, plants and ecosystems. That is why researchers, policymakers, businesses and communities are bringing their knowledge together to strengthen health as a whole: through healthier food environments, stronger food systems, better prevention and resilient people, animals and ecosystems. Only by working together can we build a world in which health becomes more attainable for all species.
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Discover our themes
Sustainable food systems
We need to find a new balance between what we eat, how we produce it, and the conditions under which it is grown.
Biodiversity and resilient ecosystems
The interaction between plants, animals and ecosystems keeps our environment healthy, nutritious and resilient. How do we preserve that balance?
Global health
In a healthy world, it is not only people who thrive. Our health is connected to the health of all living things.
Climate-proof futures
To withstand the impacts of climate change, adaptation is essential — from green cities to nature-inclusive agriculture.
Biobased and circular society
In a circular society, we close resource loops, use renewable materials and generate almost no waste.
Sustainable water and land use
How do we manage our water and land so that these vital resources remain available for future generations?
Sustainable food systems
We need to find a new balance between what we eat, how we produce it, and the conditions under which it is grown.
Biodiversity and resilient ecosystems
The interaction between plants, animals and ecosystems keeps our environment healthy, nutritious and resilient. How do we preserve that balance?
Global health
In a healthy world, it is not only people who thrive. Our health is connected to the health of all living things.
Climate-proof futures
To withstand the impacts of climate change, adaptation is essential — from green cities to nature-inclusive agriculture.
Biobased and circular society
In a circular society, we close resource loops, use renewable materials and generate almost no waste.
Sustainable water and land use
How do we manage our water and land so that these vital resources remain available for future generations?