1. THL protects and promotes health and welfare in Finland
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2. National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
Formed 1 January 2009 through the merger of the National Public Health Institute (KTL) and the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES)
Operates under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Starting points for establishing the new Institute:
Joining forces to step up work to promote health and welfare in Finland
Needs of the population in terms of health and welfare
Needs of the health and social service system
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THL is nationwide
Main location in Helsinki
Units in six other cities:
Turku, Tampere, Jyväskylä,
Kuopio,Oulu and Vaasa
Total staff about 1400
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THL's mission
THL promotes the well-being and health of the population, prevents diseases and social problems, and supports social and health services.
THL carries out its responsibilities through a wide range of activities: research, evaluation and follow-up, development work, expert influence, centralised national services as well as international co-operation.
THL is a statutory statistical authority in health and welfare and maintains and provides a strong knowledge base within its field.
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THL's vision
To have major impact on health and welfare in Finland
To be a key player, a reliable expert and a valued partner in the protection and promotion of health and welfare
To offer an inspiring, responsible and attractive working community
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Key figures
Funding
Total budget in 2009 is 96 million euros: 64% from the State Budget and 36% from other funding sources
Personnel
Permanent staff: 927
Fixed-term project staff: 425
Highly multiprofessional
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7. Health and welfare in Finland
Finland is a highly developed welfare state with greatly
improved health and welfare during the last few decades
Many challenges - also concerning the work of THL:
Health inequalities and social exlusion
Population ageing and challenges of young people
Lifestyle-related challenges: alcohol, obesity etc.
Preparedness against biological threats
Constraints of welfare and health services
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8. THL's challenges as regards health care and social welfare
The social and health care system
has the support and appreciation of the public.
However, there are many challenges:
To control the growing costs of services
To meet the increasing public demand
Availability of professional personnel
Efficient organisation and management of the service system
To maintain efficient social welfare support for all people
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9. THL´s organisation and management
Director General: Professor Pekka Puska, MD, PhD, MPolSc
Executive Board: Director General, 4 Assistant Directors General, Strategic Planning Director and Administrative Director
Four divisions (with 9 departments and several units)
Several horizontal structures
THL has an annual performance agreement with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the DG reports directly to the Ministry
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11. Division of Welfare and Health Policies
Fields of activity: welfare and health status of the population, living conditions, social and health policies, health and welfare economics.
Assistant Director General: Professor Marja Vaarama
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13. Division of Welfare and Health Promotion
Fields of activity: health and social problems, risk factors and determinants, prevention, promotion of health and well-being.
Assistant Director General: Professor Erkki Vartiainen Departments:
Chronic Disease Prevention
Lifestyle and Participation
Alcohol, Drugs and Addiction
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15. Division of Health Protection
Fields of activity: public health protection, with particular focus on prevention and control of biological and health threats, infectious diseases and environmental health.
Assistant Director General: Professor Juhani Eskola Departments:
Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control
Vaccination and Immune Protection
Environmental Health
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17. Division of Health and Social Welfare Services
Fields of activity: Support and development of the service system and service contents by means of research, information guidance, evaluation and implementation support.
Assistant Director General: Dr Marina Erhola Departments:
Service Delivery System
Lifecourse and Services
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
* Also responsible for state mental hospitals and reform schools
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19. Other functions and separate units
THL also has horizontal, cross-divisional functions and
units:
Administrative Services (Administrative Director Jaakko Penttinen)
Strategy and Development Unit (Strategic Planning Director Terhi Lönnfors)
Information Department (Statistics and registers)
Department of Communications and PR
Research, Development and Innovations Unit
International Affairs Unit
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THL is international
Extensive international scientific collaboration
Expert co-operation and support to national participation: UN and UN organisations (WHO), EU (DG SANCO, ECDC), many international associations (IANPHI)
Contribution to global activities in health and welfare, European and Nordic collaboration, co-operation with neighbouring areas
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23. National Institute for Health and Welfare
Works to protect and promote health and welfare in Finland
Knowledge for health and welfare
Advantages
comprehensive (covers a broad range of health and welfare issues)
synergy between research and impelementation work
works closely with the Ministry as an independent and recognised authority
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