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Public health experts have urged governments at all levels to prioritize environmental cleanliness and public hygiene over an excessive reliance on vaccination as a means of promoting healthy living.
This appeal was made during the 10th National Conference on Environment and Health, organized by the Living Sciences Foundation at the University of Ilesa, Osun State.
The two-day event gathered researchers, academics, and policymakers to discuss the challenges related to environmental health.
A former Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University and specialist in meteorology, Professor Debo Adeyewa, emphasized that the government should concentrate on environmental health and balanced nutrition as essential components for disease prevention.
“God has provided everything we need to boost our immunity. The food we consume acts as medicine and a form of immunization. God has established an immunity through the environment,” he stated.
He cautioned that an overreliance on vaccines could be problematic, noting that while vaccination itself is not inherently negative, it can be misapplied.
“Vaccination is not bad in itself, but it can be abused. We do not condemn vaccination; however, we are highlighting that some practices can be misused,” he added.
Adeyewa also pointed out the risks associated with contaminated water and inadequate sanitation, stating that these issues significantly contribute to disease outbreaks in society.
He called for collective efforts and interventions to ensure a clean and safe environment.
In his address, former Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Professor Dapo Asaju, emphasized the link between health, environment, and theology.
“This Living Sciences Conference reveals the realities of science, where individuals are challenged to become better doctors and healers for a world that is ill, requiring good people to accomplish things correctly,” he remarked.
President of the Living Sciences Foundation, Professor Joshua Ojo, a specialist in health physics and environmental science, stressed the necessity for collaborative approaches to managing environmental health.
“Environmental health issues should not be addressed in isolation. We have various compartments, which is why we advocate for a multi-stationary approach to manage environmental health, utilizing this National Conference to unite stakeholders,” he explained.
Professor Ojo also highlighted the significance of maintaining a healthy environment through education, advocacy, and coordinated government action.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, the institution’s ICT Director, Oladipo Folorunsho, praised the Foundation for selecting the university as the host.
He described the event as a platform for raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable health practices.
“The objective is to explore how we can create a more environmentally friendly atmosphere and how we can live while applying the principles of healthy living. This conference leads the way in advocating for these initiatives,” Folorunsho stated.
He further reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering environmental responsibility.
“We practice a green culture in our surroundings. We avoid trampling on lawns. We promote health education and human kinetics, along with other contributions aimed at enhancing human health,” he added.
Why is environmental cleanliness important for public health?
Environmental cleanliness is crucial for public health as it reduces the risk of disease outbreaks and promotes overall well-being through improved sanitation and access to clean resources.
What was the focus of the 10th National Conference on Environment and Health?
The conference focused on discussing environmental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition and the dangers of relying solely on vaccination for disease prevention.
