Folkehelsevesenet

Folkehelsevesenet refers to the Norwegian public health service. The main national public health authority in Norway is the Folkehelseinstituttet, or the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH). It operates under the Ministry of Health and Care Services and works in cooperation with the Directorate of Health, regional health authorities, and municipalities. The institute’s mandate includes surveillance of infectious and non-communicable diseases, prevention of illness, health data collection and analysis, and risk communication to the public.

Its activities cover surveillance and monitoring of population health, guidance and support for local public health work, vaccination policy, and preparedness for health emergencies. The institute maintains national health registries and surveillance systems—such as the MSIS system for infectious diseases and the SYSVAK immunisation registry—and conducts public health research, risk assessments, and evidence-based recommendations. It also hosts data resources and research programs, including population-based cohorts, and publishes regular reports and statistics for policymakers, health professionals, and citizens. In coordination with other agencies, Folkehelseinstituttet provides guidelines on infection control, environmental health, and health promotion.

History and organization: The institution has roots in early 20th-century public health efforts and has evolved through several reorganizations. Today it functions as a government agency with a scientific mandate to protect and improve the health of the Norwegian population. It collaborates with national and international partners, including WHO and EU public health networks, in monitoring, research, and response activities.