By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The World Health Organization, WHO has disclosed that about 8.2 million deaths which occur globally is caused by pollution related diseases.
Speaking at the 6th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists, ANHeJ, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, WHO National Consultant, Public Health & Environment, Dr. Edwin-Isotu Edeh who disclosed this figure added that this number means one in four deaths globally.
Dr. Edeh said,”pollution related diseases which include include cancer and Hypertension now make up 8.2 million or nearly two-thirds of deaths.”
Also, WHO disclosed that an estimated 12.6 million people die globally as a result of living or working in an unhealthy environment.
Edeh attributed these occurrences to the devastating impact of the chemicals and waste we’ve been putting into the air, water, and earth since the end of World War II.
He said, “Deaths from infectious diseases such as malaria and diarrhea due to unsafe water and lack of sanitation represent one-third and are on the decline.”
“Lower and middle-income countries seem to bear the greatest burden of environment-related diseases and injuries.”
“These include NCDs like cardiovascular diseases and some cancers. While the highest number of deaths per person attributable to the environment occurs in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily from infectious diseases.”
He noted that Environmental Health can be integrated into Sustainable Development by protecting and creating healthy environments.
WHO called for improved environmental quality for the poorest population with the greatest burden of environmental diseases.
“This can be achieved by reducing exposures to air pollution in homes and villages from biomass burning, and providing clean water and sanitation
Identifying efforts to address environmental problems that can also provide health benefits.”
Meanwhile, WHO noted that some policies, practices, and technologies designed to promote sustainability and economic development may have unintended adverse environmental health effects, can be prevented or mitigated before they are implemented.
