Environment and health in Africa

ABSTRACT

The World Health Organization has identified four priority areas related to the environment and of vital importance to people's well-being in Africa. These include adequate and safe supply of water; hygienic disposal of human excreta; disposal of solid and household wastes; hygiene and appropriate housing. Contaminated water constitutes the most important vehicle for disease transmission. Therefore; provision of safe drinking water is essential in provision of public health services. Hygienic disposal of excreta reduces contamination of water. Safe disposal of solid and household wastes is also of extreme importance to families and communities wishing to maintain a reasonable standard of public hygiene and to keep their village and homes clean and attractive. Habitat; which encompasses the house and its immediate surroundings is where all people spend at least two-thirds of their life. It has a crucial influence on the physical; mental; and social well-being of all individuals; families and communities. The principles outlined in this article aim to make this influence favourable to people