The burden of disease attributable to environmental determinants and the consequent socioeconomic impact is substantial in the West African sub-region.
Environmental risks account for 23% of the burden of disease in the African Region. Vector-borne, diarrhoeal and cardiovascular diseases, as well as lower respiratory infections, are significantly attributable to environmental determinants.
Air pollution, water, sanitation and hygiene are the main drivers of these diseases.
Access to clean water and sanitation services is critical to improving health and in turn, increasing human productivity and economic growth. Globally, 780 million people lack access to safe drinking water which negatively impacts both health and livelihoods.
In this rainy season, there are likely to be stagnant waters across countries as a result of poor drainage systems, potholes on streets, and indiscriminate dump of refuse among others. These always bring about waterborne diseases and outbreaks.