The Environmental Health and Sanitation Department of the Accra School of Hygiene marked World Environmental Health Day by underscoring the importance of resilience in communities amidst rising challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters. Experts emphasized the need for proactive education and sustainable practices to protect human health and the environment, calling for collaborative efforts between individuals and government.
The Environmental Health and Sanitation Department of the Accra School of Hygiene in Korle-Bu observed World Environmental Health Day on September 26, emphasizing the need to fortify communities through disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation strategies. The focus of the World Environmental Health Day is to create a global forum to address significant environmental and health challenges while promoting initiatives that aim for a healthier planet. Dr. Tsekpetse Akuamoah Kweku, an Environmental Health Expert at the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, underscored the importance of resilience, defining it as the capacity of communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from adverse events. He explained that climate change and natural disasters are escalating issues that pose considerable challenges for communities globally, acknowledging that while these disasters stem from natural processes, human activities can intensify their effects. Mr. Emmanuel Kwadjo Gmanab, who serves as the National President of the Ghana Environmental Health Officers Association (GEHOA), expressed that the day serves as an invaluable opportunity for engaging individuals of all ages in activities designed to enhance both environmental and human health. He highlighted the objective of the day to educate and empower communities worldwide on pertinent issues such as air and water pollution, hazardous waste, and unsustainable resource use, all of which have direct implications for human health. According to Mr. Smile Kobina Ametsi, the principal of the Accra School of Hygiene, it is vital for humanity to recognize its reliance on the environment for survival. He called attention to detrimental practices such as illegal mining, improper waste disposal, and deforestation, which contribute to the spread of diseases. Furthermore, he advocated for the adoption of sound environmental practices, such as afforestation, to mitigate global warming, which brings severe consequences like rising sea levels that can lead to health risks, including respiratory diseases. Mr. Michael Affrodofe, head of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Department, emphasized the collaborative role individuals must play alongside government efforts in maintaining a safe environment. This observance of World Environmental Health Day serves as a conscious reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental and human health, urging communities to take proactive measures to safeguard their environments and subsequently their health.
World Environmental Health Day is an annual observance aimed at drawing attention to global environmental and health issues. This year’s theme emphasizes resilience in communities, focusing on the importance of disaster risk reduction and climate change responses. The observance showcases the role that environmental health professionals play in educating and empowering communities regarding health hazards related to environmental degradation. As challenges such as climate change and natural disasters become more pronounced, the need for collective action and awareness becomes increasingly critical. Engaging communities in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship is essential to fostering a healthy and safe living environment. The Accra School of Hygiene plays a significant part in addressing these challenges in Ghana, providing education and resources to promote effective public health strategies.
In conclusion, commemorating World Environmental Health Day allows for a critical examination of the relationship between the environment and public health. Experts in the field highlight the pressing need for communities to embrace resilience through education and proactive measures in response to environmental challenges. The collective responsibility of individuals and governments to adopt sustainable practices is paramount to safeguarding health and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
