EMA Highlights Environmental Issues at One Health Symposium

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has stressed the importance of addressing environmental issues for the health of humans and animals as a way of preventing zoonotic disease transmission.

This was highlighted during One Health Day Symposium on Friday, 24 November 2023 which was hosted by the City of Bulawayo, in partnership with Lupane State University to discuss the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health.

During the symposium, the EMA representative emphasised the impact of climate change on the environment and its consequences for public health.

“As the climate is changing, we are seeing the emergence of new diseases. The interaction between the environment, animals, and humans is causing these changes,” the representative stated.

Drinking Water

She mentioned that water challenges lead to animals and human beings interacting at one place in search of drinking water.

The representative highlighted the role of extreme weather events in the Global South, such as floods and tropical cyclones, in exacerbating health issues.

“In the cases of floods, we see an increase in waterborne infections like cholera and typhoid,” the representative explained. These events not only pose risks to humans but also have consequences for animal populations.

Another significant environmental issue discussed was water pollution. The representative explained how poor solid waste management practices lead to the spread of human health diseases.

“Chemicals from solid waste can find their way into our underground water sources, leading to chronic illnesses like cancers. Improper waste collection and disposal are associated with infections such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid,” the representative warned.

The symposium also touched on the issue of deforestation, which contributes to air pollution and impacts both humans and animals.

Harming Biodiversity

“By cutting down trees, we are increasing air pollution and harming biodiversity. This puts us at risk of various diseases as we reduce our natural defense mechanisms,” the representative explained.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining biodiversity, the representative stressed that a diverse environment acts as a buffer against certain diseases.

“When we have a more diverse environment, some diseases die out before they have a chance to interact with humans. So, reducing biodiversity puts us at greater risk,” the representative added.

To tackle these environmental challenges, the representative urged the implementation of integrated solid waste management practices, including reduction, reuse, and recycling. She emphasised the importance of consistent waste management services and the need for waste separation at the source to enable effective recycling.

Water Issues

The issue of water pollution was also addressed, with a focus on the various sources of contamination, including mining effluent, industrial water, and agricultural resources. The representative highlighted the impact of agricultural pesticides on water quality and the ecosystem.

In addition to water pollution, air pollution was discussed during the symposium. The representative drew attention to the smog and methane gas visible in some areas, emphasizing the need for measures to curb air pollution and protect the health of both humans and animals.

The One Health Symposium provided an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and address the complex interrelationships between human, animal, and environmental health.

Lastly, the discussions highlighted the urgency of addressing environmental issues and implementing sustainable solutions to protect the well-being of populations and animals in Zimbabwe.