The World Environmental Health Day (WEHD) is annually observed across the world on 26th September to raise awareness about the important role of environmental health and to highlight the environmental concerns on human health.
- The day aims to promote the improvement of environmental parameters and services of environmental health professionals.
The theme for the 2022 WEHD is “Strengthening Environmental Health Systems for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals”.
- On the WEHD various seminars, workshops and quizzes are conducted to raise awareness about environmental health issues.
Background:
i.On 26th September 2011, the Board of Directors of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) signed and proclaimed the 26th September of every year as “World Environment Health Day”.
ii.The first WEHD was officially held on 26th September 2011.
Significance:
i.According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one fourth of the global burden of disease can be prevented by healthier environments.
- A healthy environment ensures clean air, sanitation, hygiene, stable climate, adequate water, protection from radiation, safe use of chemicals, healthy and safe workplaces, sound agricultural practices, and a preserved nature.
ii.Environmental Health plays a major role in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which is included in 7 SDGs, 19 targets and 30 indicators of the SDGs.
- The SDGs were adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and also ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity in life.
About International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH):
President – Henroy Scarlett
Establishment –1986
Headquarters – London, United Kingdom (UK)
