Citation

Mishra CP. Swasth Hind 1996; 40(4-5): 68-71.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Central Health Education Bureau)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12293123

Abstract

Unprecedented population growth in developing countries will increase pressure on the environment and on the earth's carrying capacity. The current phenomenal growth in urbanization in developing countries has exacerbated efforts to secure environmental health. In India, the urban population is growing at a faster rate than the rural population, with about half of urban dwellers living in slums. Therefore, efforts to improve conditions in slums have been the subject of a number of recent projects. Challenges include providing sufficient housing in urban areas and improving ventilation, illumination, and exhaust of cooking fuels in rural houses. The water supply is threatened both in quality and quantity, and 89.2% of households in India lack or fail to use latrines. Lack of proper management of solid wastes and lack of drainage has led to serious health risks, and the safety of the supply of edible food sold in shops and schools is far from satisfactory. A lack of proper hygiene associated with infant feeding contributes significantly to infant mortality. School children exhibit a lack of personal hygiene, and often play in dirt and muddy water. Other problems are associated with the environmental ill-effects of home-based industries, pollution of the air and rivers, and behavioral-related health problems such as alcoholism, drug addiction, and high-risk sex behavior. Many innovative approaches exist as models for the development of the information, education, and communication programs necessary to improve the environment.

Language: en