World Environmental Health Day(WEHD) is celebrated every year on September 26th to raise awareness for a safe and robust environment and to encourage sustainable practices.
- The day aims to showcase that the health of our planet is linked to our well-being and there is a need to focus on environmental protection to save both nature and human beings.
- 2024 marks the 13th World Environmental Health Day.
- The annual observance is organised by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).
Theme:
i.The theme of WEHD 2024 is “Environmental Health: Creating Resilient Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation”.
ii.The theme aims to make communities resilient by addressing the health hazards associated with natural disasters and climate change.
History of the World Environment Health Day
i.During the IFEH meeting held in Bali, Indonesia in 2011, it was officially declared that WEHD will be celebrated every year on 26th September.
- Since then, every year a theme is decided related to contemporary environmental health issues and awareness is raised around the issue.
ii.The WEHD was launched to increase public awareness of the close connection between public health and the environment.
Significance :
i.To raise awareness about issues such as pollution, climate change, industrialization, urbanization, globalization, poor sanitation and loss of biodiversity.
ii.To improve the quality of the natural environment, air, water, food, housing, and communities.
iii.To encourage and recognise the efforts of people, environmental health professionals, educators organisations and communities.
iv.To promote greener and sustainable practices and preservation of public health in line with initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
v.To protect from environmental hazards such as physical, chemical, and biological that can lead to illnesses such as cancer, respiratory disorders, asthma, and allergies.
Key Points:
i.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthier environments itself can prevent nearly 1/4th of the global disease burden.
ii.Clean air, stable climate, adequate water, sanitation and hygiene, safe use of chemicals, protection from radiation, healthy and safe workplaces, sound agricultural practices, health-supportive cities and built environments, and a preserved nature are all prerequisites for good health.
ii.To address environment related challenges, the United Nations has designed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with specific goals.
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)
- SDG 13 (Climate Action)
About International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH):
President – Bruno Cvetkovic (Croatia)
Headquarters – London, the United Kingdom(UK)
Members – 40
Founded – 1986
