Children are major victims of environmental pollution in South Africa
The people of South Africa bear a double burden of environmental threats to
their health, says Dr Anthony Mbewu, Executive Director: Research Development at
the Medical Research Council.
According to Dr Mbewu industry as well under-development in informal and
inner city settlements cause environmental pollution. He added that it is
estimated the one-third of the burden of disease in the world is cause by
environmental factors.
"It is that appropriate during Environmental Awareness Week we are
mindful that children are particularly vulnerable to environmental pollution and
hazards," said Ms Angela Mathee, who heads the MRC's Environment and Health
Research Office. Despite making up only 10% of the world's population, young
children are estimated to bear around 40% of the world's burden of disease.
She added that long-standing concerns such as inadequate access to water,
sanitation and, safe cooking fuels, continue to contribute to two of the biggest
killers of young South African children: diarrheal diseases and pneumonia.
Rooted in South Africa's political history, there continues to be strong poverty
and "racial" dimensions to childhood environmental threats in this
country.
Mathee added that most children face the worst environmental hazards in their
own homes and schools. "For example, we have known for some time that
leaded petrol is a major contributor to high blood levels in as many 55% of
children living in impoverished areas. We are only now however, beginning to
appreciate that lead-based house paint may also be playing an important role in
childhood lead exposure. Preliminary results from an exploratory study currently
underway in Johannesburg, is indicating that lead-based paint may have been used
in as many as 22% of homes.
Dr Mbewu says that in an acknowledgement of the major contribution of
environmental exposures to death and disease, and the disproportionate burden
borne by children in this regard, the MRC has made a commitment to scaling up
its environment and health research programme, and is particularly pleased to be
participating, together with the Department of Health and the World Health
Organization, in the initiation and development of the South African Healthy
Environments for Children Alliance (SAHECA).
Launched by WHO on 1st September 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable
Development, the Healthy Environments for Children Alliance is a global
initiative to address major environmental threats to the health of children in
their homes, schools and neighbourhoods. - MRC
For more information please contact Ms Angela Mathee on 082-464-7038.
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