Introduction
Introduction
The Public Health Institute of Iceland was officially established on July 1st 2003 and is answerable to the Ministry of Health and Social Security.
The policy and function of the Institute is in accordance with Icelandic National Health Plan to the year 2010 and the guide lines set down by the World Health Organization. Matters dealt with by the Institute include alcohol and drug abuse prevention, nutrition, accident prevention, mental health and physical activity, dental health and tobacco use prevention. The general director of the Institute is Margret Björnsdottir and its staff is comprised of well educated and highly experienced individuals.
See Public Health Institute Act.
Our objectives
The Institute´s main objective is to offer the Icelandic public the opportunity to live a healthy life by:
- Reinforcing knowledge through research and teaching, and by re-evaluating action taken.
- Educating, in cooperation with relevant partners, and thus influence public perceptions and behaviour.
- Functioning as an advisor to the government and thus be better in a position to bring about improvements.
The Institute has set out to achieve the following goals by the year 2008:
That it will
- be in the forefront in encouraging public health awareness and organizing preventive programs that benefit the Icelandic public's health and well-being.
- have built up an integrated network amongst public health spokespeople.
- have established working links with the university and research institutions with regard to teaching and research in the area of public health.
- undertaking regular surveys relating to matters of public health in cooperation with others, and that the findings will be used to improve public health and assist in policy making.
- have established a system for evaluation of public health and government involvement in public health.
- be actively involved internationally on a wide range of health issues.
- have established a solid reputation for trustworthiness amongst the Icelandic public.
- in a systematic way be processing research findings, in relation to specified health indicators.
Organizational Chart
The Institute has three major division of operation: Projects, Research and Development and Public Relations. The Institute´s organizational chart is matrix in plan, one which is ideal for an organization that must deal with a variety of projects. Its structure demands effective organization and management among the various personnel, as well as requiring flexibility and cooperation between divisions.