The Accra School of Hygiene commemorated World Environmental Health Day, focusing on building community resilience against climate change and disaster risks. Experts emphasized the need for sustainable practices to address environmental health issues, noting the significant impact of human activities on natural disasters and public health.
The Environmental Health and Sanitation Department at the Accra School of Hygiene, Korle-Bu, recently celebrated World Environmental Health Day, emphasizing the necessity of community resilience through effective disaster risk reduction and climate change strategies. Observed annually on September 26, this day serves as a global platform for addressing critical environmental and health concerns while promoting initiatives aimed at developing a healthier planet. Dr. Tsekpetse Akuamoah Kweku, an Environmental Health Expert from the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, asserted that the concept of resilience encompasses a community’s capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from adverse events, particularly in light of the escalating frequency of climate change and natural disasters. He further explained that while natural disasters are the result of natural processes, their impact can be intensified by human actions. Mr. Emmanuel Kwadjo Gmanab, National President of the Ghana Environmental Health Officers Association (GEHOA), indicated that this commemorative day presents an excellent opportunity to engage individuals across all demographics in activities that promote both environmental and public health. He underscored that the observance aims to inform and empower communities regarding issues such as air and water pollution, hazardous waste, and the unsustainable use of resources that threaten human health. Principal of the Accra School of Hygiene, Mr. Smile Kobina Ametsi, highlighted the imperative of recognizing the interdependence between humans and the environment, asserting that awareness of individual actions on environmental health is crucial. He pointed out that poor environmental practices, including illegal mining, improper waste disposal, and deforestation, can lead to the spread of diseases. To mitigate these threats, he advocated for sustainable practices such as afforestation, specifically mentioning its role in combating global warming, a challenge that exacerbates issues like rising sea levels and health concerns, such as respiratory diseases from contaminated water sources. Lastly, Mr. Michael Affrodofe, head of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Department, urged individuals to collaborate with the government to ensure the safety and well-being of the environment.
World Environmental Health Day, celebrated on September 26 each year, aims to create awareness about environmental health issues that have a direct impact on human well-being. The day encourages global discussions and actions to tackle challenges such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, and pollution, promoting a collective effort towards creating healthier living environments. The recent commemoration by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Department in Ghana highlights the importance of resilience in communities facing increasingly severe natural disasters and changing climate conditions, emphasizing preventive measures and sustainable environmental practices.
The observance of World Environmental Health Day underscores the critical relationship between environmental sustainability and public health. As highlighted by various experts, increasing awareness and engaging communities in environmental issues is paramount to fostering resilience against the adverse effects of climate change and natural disasters. Encouraging responsible environmental practices and collaboration with authorities can create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
