Public Health

The environment factors into public health on multiple fronts. To address them, Woods brings Stanford’s world-class medical scholars together with experts on environmental health and other disciplines to solve complex challenges in areas where resources are scarce. Scholars with our Water, Health and Development program are working with partners in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean to deliver affordable water supply and sanitation services in a way that enhances human health through safer, more sustainable water and wastewater management. In Haiti, an initiative run by Stanford graduate students is reducing water contamination from human waste while creating jobs and compost. In Bangladesh, a team led by Woods researchers is developing low-cost chlorination devices that treat water at the point of collection for thousands living in urban slums. In Senegal, researchers funded by Woods’ Environmental Venture Projects program are pioneering natural – and effective – approaches to curb the spread of schistosomiasis, a deadly neglected tropical disease. Read on to learn more about these projects and other work Stanford researchers are doing to sustain the health and well-being of people around the world.

In The News

If Kids Think Someone's Watching, They're More Likely to Wash Their Hands

Describes hand-washing study by Woods Senior Fellow Jenna Davis and Woods research associate Amy Pickering
April 19, 2014 - By Robert Preidt, U.S. News & World Report

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Cleaning Poop from Drinking Water

Interviews Woods Senior Fellows Stephen Luby and Jenna Davis and Woods Research Associate Amy Pickering about their work with the Lotus Water...
July 30, 2015 - By Lauren Farrar, KQED | Quest Science

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Your Brain on Nature

Woods Senior Fellow Gretchen Daily (Biology) discusses her research on how nature can improve well-being. 
July 30, 2015 - By Brian Lehrer, WNYC / Brian Lehrer Show

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Is It Safe to Go to the Beach?

Woods Senior Fellow Alexandria Boehm tests for bacteria in samples of sand from beaches, and provides tips for beachgoers to reduce their risk...
July 27, 2015 - By , ABC News

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