We have entered the 21st Century, yet while globalization of the economy, industry, and distribution of goods and money continues to advance, various problems concerning nature and the social environment exist. These problems include: population increase and urbanization; the deterioration of the global environment and living environment that accompanies economic development; expansion of economic disparity; spread of poverty; and the increase in refugees. It is an era when we must consider environmental issues on a global scale. In particular, mental health issues, and lifestyle related illnesses are affected by changes in our environment. Disease control transcends countries and regions, regardless of whether the country is low, middle, or high income; hence the need for new concepts such as “global health”.
Promoting global health will bring true safety, security and economic development to our country and will lead to an increase in Japan's presence in the international community. Therefore, domestically as well as internationally, there is an increasing need to develop outstanding leaders who can promote global health.
Nagasaki University has established an innovative doctoral programme - the WISE programme to “train global health professionals who can build a healthier world” - in order to meet global needs, with the school of Tropical Medicine and Global Health (“TMGH”) playing a central role. We have an in-depth understanding of health problems on a global scale. Along with possessing ability in education and research to solve this problem, it is our aim to train practical and social leaders with the ability to connect their academic knowledge to areas such as global policy planning and implementation.