World Environmental Health Day: EHSAN enlightens Sabo community on proper solid waste management

Issues surrounding proper management of solid waste came to the fore as the Oyo State branch of the Environmental Health Scientists Association of Nigeria (EHSAN) organised a one-day workshop with the theme: “Solid waste management: Influencing attitudes for a healthful society,” in Sabo community, Ibadan.

The workshop was to commemorate the World Environmental Health Day (WEHD) 2023.

Events to commemorate the day began with an awareness rally in Sabo community on the need to maintain a hygienic environment, followed by a clean-up exercise of the major road in the area.

Subsequently, a workshop on the subject of proper solid waste management at the community level was held at the Sabo Central Mosque premises. Community members were taught topics such as problems and solutions on waste management, vector and pest management, and private public partnership in waste management, in their local dialect.

The National president of EHSAN, Professor Godson Ana, explained that the World Environmental Health Day was mandated by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH), and is held annually on September 26.

Dr Timothy Oyeku, who at the event represented Dr Taiwo Hammed, chairman of EHSAN Oyo State chapter, said that WEHD is commemorated to bring to the fore environmental health concerns and propose solutions to them. In years past, the chapter has visited other communities within Oyo State in its campaign for a healthier environment.

A representative of Sabo community, Alhaji Dikko Zungeru, expressed the community’s appreciation for being chosen to host this year’s event.

Dr Henroy Scarlett, IFEH president, in his message to mark the 2023 WEHD, stated that theme for this year is: “Global Environmental Public Health: Standing up to protect everyone’s Health each and every day.”

“The theme reflects the consistency with which the global environmental health workforce has been addressing the myriad of environmental health challenges and issues to prevent illness and promote the wellbeing of man and his environment. There is no place for complacency as we work with our local, regional, and international partners to avert the onset of new diseases and to prevent the re- emergence of important infectious diseases,” said Dr Scarlett.

“Environmental health professionals (EHPs) represent one of the largest subdivisions of the global public health workforce and must be recognized for the delivery of the essential environmental public health services,” he added.