Information tehnology: strenthening environment and human health

The role of Information technology in the field of environmental education and health as in any other field like business, economics, politics or culture is tremendous. Innovations in the use of emerging Information and Communication Technology have rapidly increased in all development contexts, including healthcare. When designed and implemented effectively, information technology can improve access for geographically isolated communities; provide support for healthcare workers; aid in data sharing; provide visual tools linking population and disease outbreaks. It is believed that the use of appropriate technologies can increase the quality of both information and communication. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has taken up the task of compiling information to support and promote research development and innovation in environmental issues and human health. The comprehensive database includes wildlife database, conservation database, forest cover database etc. Database is also available for diseases like HIV/AIDs, Malaria, and Fluorosis etc. A number of user friendly software have been developed for environment and health studies which have generated a wealth of up-to-date information on various aspects of environment and health related issues. Development of Internet facilities, worldwide web, environmental databases and information through satellites contributes in providing environmental information to decision maker. Information Systems like Environmental Information System (ENVIS), National Management Information Systems (NMIS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) play a key role in resource mapping, environmental management, conservation, environmental impact assessment and planning. Information Technology is expanding rapidly with increasing applications and new avenues are being opened with effective roles in the field of environment and health. Overall, this paper aims to illuminate the potential role of information and communication technologies in environmental and health sector.