Regional strategy for the management of environmental determinants of human health in the African Region 2017–2021: Report of the Secretariat

ABSTRACT

1. In the African Region, the burden of disease attributable to environmental determinantsand the consequent socioeconomic impact is substantial. Environmental risks account for23% of the burden of disease in the African Region. Vector-borne, diarrhoeal andcardiovascular diseases, as well as lower respiratory infections are significantly attributableto environmental determinants. Air pollution, water, sanitation and hygiene are the maindrivers of these diseases.2. In response, African Ministers of Health and Environment adopted the LibrevilleDeclaration on Health and Environment in Africa (2008) in which they committed themselvesto jointly address environmental determinants of human health and ecosystems integrity.However, progress made across the Region in the implementation of the Declaration has beenslower than anticipated. The adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) alsogenerated renewed impetus in addressing environmental determinants of health.3. Addressing the environment and health nexus therefore requires an up-to-date andintegrated strategy, rooted in the Libreville Declaration and aligned with the SDGs. Therefore,the proposed strategy seeks to strengthen an integrated approach to the management ofenvironmental determinants of human health in order to accelerate the implementation of theLibreville Declaration. Its implementation will contribute to the attainment of the SDGs.4. The principal areas of focus of the strategy include safe drinking-water and sanitation andhygiene, air pollution and clean energy, chemicals and wastes, climate change, vector controland health in the workplace. Its implementation will require reviewing and reinforcing existinginstitutional arrangements, establishing a sustainable financing mechanism, strengtheningnational capacities for research, advocacy and communication, and integrated surveillance,monitoring and evaluation.5. The Regional Committee reviewed and adopted the strategy.