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).
Table of Contents
0. Abstract
1. Introduction
1.1 Environment and Health in Developing Countries
1.2 Health and Sanitation
2. Problem Under Investigation, Objectives and Study Area
3. Conceptual Framework
3.1 Health and Environment
3.2 Environmental Health
3.3 Human and Environment Health Interactions and Linkages
4. Materials and Methods
4.1 Study Location
4.1.1 Bibiani-Bekwai District
4.1.2 Sefwi Wiawso District
4.2 Methodology
4.2.1 Indicators of the Research
4.3 Data Analysis
4.3.1 Environment and Human Health in Ghana
4.3.2 Environmental Sanitation Problems and Constraints in Ghana
4.3.3 Environmental Health Challenges in Ghana
4.3.4 Poverty, Human and Environment Health Linkages in Ghana
4.3.5 Environmental Degradation, Changing Ecosystemand Diseases in Ghana
4.3.5.1 Ecosystem Changes
4.3.5.2 Habitat Destruction
4.3.5.3 Emergence of New Pathogens and Diseases
5. Discussions of Results
5.1 Human Health in Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso District
5.2 Sanitation in Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso Districts
5.3 Solid Waste Management
5.4 Liquid Waste Management
5.5 Drinking Water in BBD and SWD
5.6 Pollution in BBD and SWD
6. Strategies for Improving Human and Environmental Health in BBD and SWD
6.1 Provision of Portable Drinking Water
6.2 Provision of Sanitary Facilities
6.3 Provision of Waste Collection Bins
6.4 Sanitation and Hygiene Education
6.5 Enforcement of Environmental Laws
6.6 Poverty Reduction Activities
7. Conclusion
8. Bibliography
Research Objectives and Focus
This study investigates the critical interrelationships between environmental degradation and human health within the Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso Districts of Ghana, aiming to identify the primary causal linkages and propose strategies for mitigation.
- The link between environmental quality and population health outcomes.
- Impacts of sanitation deficits and water contamination on morbidity and mortality.
- The role of poverty in exacerbating environmental health risks.
- Consequences of human-induced ecosystem changes on infectious disease emergence.
- Effective governance and policy-based strategies for improving local health standards.
Excerpt from the Book
4.3.5.3 Emergence of New Pathogens and Diseases
Emerging and re-emergence of infectious diseases have received increasing attention since the end of the 20th century. World Health Organisation (1996) reported that since 1975, over thirty new or emergent human infections have evolved. Most of the new diseases seem to be present in the environment, which have been brought out of obscurity through deforestation (WHO, 1996). The reasons for the emergence or re-emergence of some diseases are unknown, but the main biological mechanisms that have altered the incidence of many infectious diseases include altered habitat, leading to changes in the number of vector breeding sites or reservoir host distribution; niche invasions or interspecies host transfers; changes in biodiversity (including loss of predator species and changes in host population density); human-induced genetic changes of disease vectors or pathogens (such as mosquito resistance to pesticides or the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria); and environmental contamination of infectious disease agents (Hunter et al., 2000; WHO,2005)
Most emerging diseases are driven by human activities that modify the environment or otherwise spread pathogens into new ecological niches (Taylor et al. 2001). Altering landscapes can change the transmission dynamics and location of many serious infectious diseases. Various studies (Walsh et al., 1993; Matola et al., 1987) indicate that climate variability is expected to affect malaria transmission in Africa. Environmental changes such as deforestation affect local microclimatic conditions in a way that favours malaria transmission (Walsh et al., 1993). Matola et al. (1987) noted that deforestation in the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania was responsible for the observed increases in local malaria transmission at high altitudes. Another study in Kenya indicates that vectorial capacity of mosquito was estimated to be twice higher in the deforested areas than in the forested areas in the dry season and 29% higher in the rainy season in the highlands (Afrane et al., 2006).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Discusses the global importance of environmental health and the specific challenges faced by developing countries regarding water and sanitation.
2. Problem Under Investigation, Objectives and Study Area: Outlines the necessity of balancing health care and prevention in Ghana, specifically within the study districts of Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso.
3. Conceptual Framework: Defines health and environment and explains the theoretical interaction between ecosystem integrity and human well-being.
4. Materials and Methods: Describes the study area and the quantitative/qualitative research methods, including the use of SPSS for regression analysis.
5. Discussions of Results: Analyzes health data, sanitation status, waste management, and water quality issues identified in the selected districts.
6. Strategies for Improving Human and Environmental Health in BBD and SWD: Proposes actionable recommendations ranging from infrastructure provision to legislative enforcement.
7. Conclusion: Summarizes findings, reiterating that environmental improvement is fundamental to reducing preventable illnesses and poverty.
8. Bibliography: Lists all academic and institutional sources referenced throughout the study.
Keywords
Ecosystems, environment, environmental degradation, desertification, environmental health, forests, human health, degradation, pollution, poverty, vulnerability, sanitation, waterborne diseases, infectious diseases, public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research explores the direct causal links between environmental degradation and poor health outcomes in the Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso Districts of Ghana.
What are the primary health issues identified in these districts?
Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, followed by respiratory infections, diarrhoea, typhoid fever, and other water-related diseases.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The goal is to determine if environmental deterioration directly contributes to health degradation and to provide policy recommendations for strengthening the human-environmental health relationship.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The study utilized a comprehensive literature review, field surveys, key informant interviews, participant observations, stakeholder consultations, and statistical analysis (SPSS) of questionnaire data.
What specific environmental factors are covered in the main section?
The analysis covers sanitation facilities, solid and liquid waste management practices, sources of drinking water, and the impact of pollution from mining and agricultural activities.
What are the key keywords characterizing this work?
The primary keywords include ecosystems, environmental degradation, poverty, vulnerability, environmental health, and waterborne diseases.
How does illegal artisanal gold mining (galamsey) impact health in these districts?
Illegal mining activities significantly contribute to air and water pollution, causing respiratory tract infections from gold dust and toxic mercury exposure among the youth who operate in these sectors.
Why do the authors emphasize "poverty" as a key variable?
Poverty is considered a major driving force that limits access to clean water, proper housing, and sanitation, effectively increasing the population's exposure and vulnerability to environmental risk factors.
- Quote paper
- Prof. Dr. E. Boon (Author), A. Ahenkan (Author), K. A. Domfeh (Author), 2008, Human and environmental health linkages in Ghana: A case study of Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso Districts, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/113069
