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Environmental health means healthier nation
2006-05-09 08:49:46
By Editor
It is said that environmental health comprises those aspects of human health, disease, and injury that are determined or influenced by factors in the environment.
The 21st century has grown to be of chronic diseases, those that steal vitality and productivity, and consume time and money.
Talk of diseases like malaria, TB, HIV/Aids, cholera and so on.
In one way or the other they are influenced by our environment and they affect us all.
That is why it is important for every person to feel that he or she has a stake in environmental public health.
We must know that as the environments deteriorate, so does the physical and mental health of the people who live in them.
Today factors adversely affecting our health in cities and towns include poor urban planning.
Where the drainage systems are very poor despite high residential occupations, one most likely finds concentration of diseases like cholera.
Such factors are ignored sometimes by the bureaucrats and its is the community as a whole that suffers the consequences.
To prevent such scenarios, there is need for different government departments to cooperate with each other in planning. ie. ministries concerned with health and urban planning.
This calls for public health initiatives which incorporate safe environment as the best way of assuring healthy living conditions.
For example is there a holistic approach to getting rid of malaria by keeping environment safe from mosquitoes?
It is known that most of malaria infections occur due to mismanagement of water resources.
Where there is a will there is a way and we believe holistic management of environment can save us from many diseases ravaging our people.
Are districts prepared for disasters?
Reports from Moshi indicate that some 150 villagers are surrounded by floods and there are fears of imminent disease outbreak as houses and toilets are all under water.
While appealing for help, Moshi District Commissioner Stuart Lyatuu said the villagers were desperate and in need of food, saying his efforts to reach district leaders for help had hit a snag.
He said his only hope was the Regional Police Commander Venance Tossi.
We hope that the villagers would be assisted out of their tribulations.
Human life is ’sacred’ and it would make sense if Moshi Rural District authorities would join forces to rescue the villagers.
However, as the villagers appeal for help, we think there could be many more poor Tanzanians in need of similar help, following heavy downpours around the country.
Are the districts and ward authorities fully prepared to rescue those who might trapped?
Are they ever on stand-by just in case they are needed?
This is a challenge to the leaders committed to serve the people.
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