Health, environment and poverty are closely interrelated and inseparable, particularly in developing countries. WHO estimates that environmental factors are the root cause of 25% of the total burden of disease worldwide and account for about 35% in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Effective environmental management is the key to avoiding a quarter of all preventable illnesses which are directly caused by environmental factors. In the Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso Districts of the Western Region of Ghana, the environment has been altered by complex human induced factors, which have negatively impacted on the health of the population. This paper seeks to establish the major causes of environmental and human health degradation and whether there is a direct link between environmental degradation and human health in Bibiani-Bekwai and the Sefwi Wiawso Districts in the Western Region of Ghana. Four complementary approaches were used during the investigation: extensive literature review, consultations with key informants, the administration of questionnaires, and stakeholder consultations. The data was analyzed using SPSS to establish the linkages between environmental deterioration and human health in the two districts. The results clearly suggest that environmental degradation seriously affects human health in the two districts. 80% of the ailments in Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso Districts are attributable to poor environmental health and sanitation and lack of access to good drinking water. Never in the history of mankind has greater attention been given to environment and health (Agyemang et al., 2007). It is estimated that 80 percent of all sickness in the world is attributable to poor environmental factors (WHO, 2007; Housewright and Mihelcic, 2002; Shimkim et al., 2005). Environmental related diseases represent an enormous global public health challenge, particularly in developing countries and impoverished communities (WHO, 2007; Shimkim et al., 2005). Health and well being of humans cannot be separated from the natural environment (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005; WHO, 2008). Human health and environmental issues have become a major concern in the world and have received considerable political recognition since the 1970s. In its broadest sense, environmental health comprises those aspects of human health, diseases, and injury that are determined or influenced by factors in the environment (WHO, 1997).
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Environment and Health in Developing Countries
- Health and Sanitation
- Problem Under Investigation, Objectives and Study Area
- Conceptual Framework
- Health and Environment
- Environmental Health
- Human and Environment Health Interactions and Linkages
- Materials and Methods
- Study Location
- Bibiani-Bekwai District
- Sefwi Wiawso District
- Methodology
- Indicators of the Research
- Data Analysis
- Environment and Human Health in Ghana
- Poverty, Human and Environment Health Linkages in Ghana
- Environmental Sanitation Problems and Constraints in Ghana
- Environmental Health Challenges in Ghana
- Environmental Degradation, Changing Ecosystem and Diseases in Ghana
- Ecosystem Changes
- Habitat Destruction
- Emergence of New Pathogens and Diseases
- Discussions of Results
- Human Health in Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso District
- Sanitation in Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso Districts
- Solid Waste Management
- Liquid Waste Management
- Drinking Water in BBD and SWD
- Pollution in BBD and SWD
- Strategies for Improving Human and Environmental Health in BBD and SWD
- Provision of Portable Drinking Water
- Provision of Sanitary Facilities
- Provision of Waste Collection Bins
- Sanitation and Hygiene Education
- Enforcement of Environmental Laws
- Poverty Reduction Activities
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study aims to explore the interconnection between environmental degradation and human health in the Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso Districts of Ghana's Western Region. The research seeks to identify the major causes of environmental and human health deterioration and to determine whether a direct link exists between these two factors.- The interconnectedness of environmental health and human well-being in developing countries, particularly in Ghana.
- The impact of environmental degradation on human health, focusing on the case study areas of Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso Districts.
- The role of poverty in exacerbating environmental and human health problems.
- The identification of strategies to improve environmental and human health conditions in the study areas.
- The significance of proper environmental management in promoting public health.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter sets the context by highlighting the global health challenges posed by environmental factors, particularly in developing countries. It emphasizes the close relationship between environmental degradation and human health, highlighting the need for environmental management strategies to mitigate these issues.
- Environment and Health in Developing Countries: This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between environmental factors and health outcomes in developing nations. It underscores the significant impact of factors like lack of clean water and sanitation facilities on the health of these populations.
- Conceptual Framework: This chapter presents a theoretical framework for understanding the complex interplay between human health and the environment. It defines key concepts like environmental health and human and environmental health interactions, laying the groundwork for the subsequent analysis.
- Materials and Methods: This chapter outlines the research methodology employed, detailing the study area, data collection techniques, and analysis methods used to investigate the relationship between environmental degradation and human health in the Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso Districts.
- Discussions of Results: This chapter presents a detailed analysis of the data collected, highlighting the findings on human health, sanitation, waste management, drinking water, and pollution in the study areas. It provides insights into the specific challenges and vulnerabilities faced by the communities due to environmental degradation.
- Strategies for Improving Human and Environmental Health in BBD and SWD: This chapter explores potential strategies and interventions aimed at improving human and environmental health in the Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso Districts. It emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted approach, incorporating solutions like provision of clean water, sanitation facilities, and waste management systems, along with educational programs and enforcement of environmental regulations.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key concepts explored in this study include environmental degradation, human health, poverty, sanitation, water resources, pollution, ecosystems, and sustainable development. These keywords highlight the central themes of the research, which focuses on the intricate links between environmental factors, health outcomes, and the challenges faced by communities in developing countries.- Arbeit zitieren
- Prof. Dr. E. Boon (Autor:in), A. Ahenkan (Autor:in), K. A. Domfeh (Autor:in), 2008, Human and environmental health linkages in Ghana: A case study of Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso Districts, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/113069
