As the environment, food supply, and health all have a natural connection, people must be aware of the effects of their actions.
This was Terrence Deyalsingh, Health Minister, on World Health Day today.
This year’s theme, “Our Planet, Our Health”, encourages people and organizations to reimagine a world that is environmentally healthy. This will foster a movement to create societies that are focused on well-being.
Deyalsingh pointed out the negative impact of human activity on the quality and quantity of air. This was evident in 320,000 deaths in Americas due to pollution.
The Pan American Health Organisation, (PAHO), also noted that the tobacco epidemic played a significant role in deaths. Statistics put the number of deaths at eight million, with 1.2 million due to second-hand smoking.
He emphasized the importance of clean water in maintaining a balance between human and natural health, as well as protecting the environment.
This need was made more urgent by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Minister.
However, he noted that the relationship did not end there.
Deyalsingh said that encouraging people to drink water rather than sugary drinks must be balanced by the need to choose reusable water containers over plastic bottles in order to reduce plastic waste.
Poor sanitation and contaminated drinking water can lead to the spread and spread of diseases like Cholera and Typhoid. Water stored in containers around the house can encourage mosquito breeding and spread of mosquito-borne disease.
He stressed the importance of responsible pesticide use due to the interconnectedness between the environment, food supply and people’s overall health.
The Health Minister stated that irresponsible pesticide usage can degrade air and water quality and threaten the health of workers, farmers and communities.
He suggested a few habits that could help us maintain a healthy balance between our environment and our health.
The Minister stated that actions such as washing fruits, vegetables and growing your own food can have positive effects on your health.
Deyalsingh encouraged citizens to take these daily actions to make the planet more sustainable.
