The Centre on Health in Housing is a collaboration of the School of Public Health and Health Professions and the School of Architecture and Planning. The center focuses on research and technical assistance in the design of the built environment that will foster the health and functioning of all people, including those with disabilities.
In this period the main foci of the center on Health and Housing are:
"By definition, a WHO collaborating centre is an institution designated by the Director-General of WHO to form part of an inter-institutional collaborative network set up by WHO in support of its programme at the country, inter-country, regional, interregional and global levels, as appropriate……Both institutions that show the capacity to fulfill a function or functions relevant to the Organization's programme and objectives, and institutions of high scientific and technical standing that have already attained international recognition may qualify for designation as WHO collaborating centres……WHO gains access to top centres worldwide and the institutional capacity to ensure the scientific validity of global health work. Through these global networks, the Organization is able exercise leadership in shaping the international health agenda Conversely, designation as a WHO collaborating centre provides institutions with enhanced visibility and recognition by national authorities, calling public attention to the health issues on which they work. It opens up improved opportunities for them to exchange information and develop technical cooperation with other institutions, in particular at the international level, and to mobilize additional and sometimes important resources from funding partners."
