World Environmental Health Day: A Call for Action Towards Cleaner & Healthier Communities

World Environmental Health Day was established by the International Federation of Environmental Health in the year 2011. This day is significant because it deals with the implementation of proactive ways to reduce poverty, improve living and health conditions, and sustainable development. These factors are seriously threatened by unprecedented climatic changes and disaster risks. Decades of development and progress are at risk of being reversed by the adverse effects. Managing the risks related to climate change and disasters, and utilizing opportunities that may lead to better development planning and budgeting is essential in creating resilient and sustainable communities.

World Environmental Health Day 2024 Theme

The theme for 2024 World Environment Health Day is: “Environmental Health: Creating Resilient Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.”

Connection between Environment and Human Health

According to a report by the U.S department of Health and Human services: Every year over 12 million people worldwide die as a result of working or living in unhealthy conditions. The goal of 2030 is to reduce human exposure to dangerous pollutants found in food, water, soil, air, and materials used in homes and workplaces.

Health issues such as heart disease, respiratory disorders, and certain cancers can be brought on by exposure to environmental pollutants. Low-income individuals are more likely to reside in dirty neighborhoods with contaminated water sources. Additionally, there is an increased risk of pollution-related health issues for children and expectant mothers.

How can we contribute to environmental health?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to safeguard and promote good health, it is essential to prioritize various environmental factors that play a crucial role in our overall well-being. Clean air for breathing, maintaining a stable climate, providing access to adequate water supply, ensuring sanitation and hygiene facilities, promoting the safe use of chemicals, protecting individuals from harmful radiation exposure, establishing healthy and secure workplaces, implementing sound agricultural practices, fostering health-supportive cities and well-planned built environments, and preserving natural habitats and biodiversity are all fundamental requirements that contribute in creating a conducive environment for optimal health outcomes.

These aspects are interconnected and reinforce each other, forming a comprehensive framework that supports human health and well-being on multiple levels. By addressing these prerequisites systematically and effectively, societies can build resilience against health risks, reduce the burden of diseases, and enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.

Emphasizing these environmental considerations not only benefits human health directly but also promotes sustainability, equity, and social justice by creating environments that are safe, inclusive, and supportive of holistic health and wellness. Therefore, recognizing the significance of these environmental determinants and committing to their preservation and enhancement is essential for achieving and maintaining good health outcomes at both individual and population levels.

Conclusion

The message of World Environmental Health Day is that environmental health and human health are closely related. We may work together to build a cleaner, healthier world for coming generations by recognizing the difficulties we face and making significant progress toward sustainability. Every little bit helps, and together, we can significantly improve the state of the environment by spreading knowledge, implementing eco-friendly habits, and fighting for change. Let's use this chance to examine our deeds and make a commitment to preserving the earth that we live on.