World Environmental Health Day 2024: Challenges and Impact

World Environmental Health Day Overview

• World Environmental Health Day observed annually on September 26 since 2011
• Established by the International Federation of Environmental Health
• Aims to highlight the crucial link between environmental and human health
• Environment Health Day 2024 Theme: "Environmental Health: Creating Resilient Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation"
• Focuses on addressing climate change and disaster risks to create sustainable communities
• Aligns with UN initiatives like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the 2030 Agenda agreements

Environmental Health Challenges and Impact

• Climate change and disaster risks threaten sustainable development and poverty reduction
• Over 12 million people die annually due to unhealthy living or working conditions
• Environmental pollutants contribute to heart disease, respiratory disorders, and certain cancers
• Low-income individuals, children, and expectant mothers are at higher risk of pollution-related health issues
• Goal for 2030: Reduce human exposure to dangerous pollutants in food, water, soil, air, and materials
• Environmental health issues can potentially reverse decades of development gains

Actions and Solutions for Environmental Health

• Combating climate change through reduction in fossil fuel use and CO₂ emissions
• Strengthening initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Implementing disaster risk reduction planning and initiatives
• Recognizing environmental health professionals' critical role in addressing these challenges

WHO priorities for good health:

• • Clean air
  • Stable climate
  • Access to adequate water supply
  • Sanitation and hygiene facilities
  • Safe use of chemicals
  • Protection from harmful radiation
  • Healthy and secure workplaces
  • Sound agricultural practices
  • Health-supportive cities and well-planned built environments
  • Preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity
• Individual and collective actions to promote environmental health:
  • Spreading awareness
  • Adopting eco-friendly practices
  • Advocating for change