KHItä

KHItä is a Finnish acronym that translates to "Kansanterveyslaitos" or the National Public Health Institute. It was a government agency in Finland responsible for public health research, surveillance, and policy development. Established in 1982, KHItä played a significant role in monitoring disease trends, conducting epidemiological studies, and providing expert advice to the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The institute was particularly active in areas such as infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and environmental health. Its research findings and recommendations informed public health strategies and interventions aimed at improving the health and well-being of the Finnish population. KHItä also collaborated with international health organizations and contributed to global public health efforts. In 2009, KHItä was merged with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland to form the new National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). This merger aimed to create a more comprehensive and integrated approach to health and welfare research and development in Finland. The legacy of KHItä continues within the broader framework of THL, which carries on its work in public health and social welfare.