Planetary health and syndemic analysis: to the building of a new environmental health.

Abstract

Environmental, climatic, and ecological threats have intensified and now constitute a triple planetary crisis. These crises interact with each other and with the social conditions of the environment, resulting in an increase in chronic diseases, the emergence of new illnesses, and the resurgence of others. In this context, the construction of innovative and holistic approaches to public health is required. Based on the global and national diagnosis, we propose a comprehensive strategy for planetary health that, from the community level, addresses the syndemics resulting from the synergistic interaction of environmental, climatic, ecological, and social threats. This strategy is enriched with a perspective on human rights and strengthened by a novel framework for the training of high-quality human resources, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as for enhancing the capabilities of local talent. Finally, it is suggested to address social and environmental determinants from a health perspective and to protect the rights of nature. We propose a national agenda based on interinstitutional action, the creation of a national program with its own structure and budget, and with a scientific advisory council.