Environmental awareness mission to remote villages in Enugu Nigeria, West Africa

Background/Question/Methods

An environmental awareness mission to remote villages in Enugu Nigeria, West Africa was completed in December 2007 by environmental health experts. The purpose of the environmental awareness mission was to contribute to solutions that solve health issues. Toxic chemicals contaminate drinking waters, build up in human organs and bones, and become a time bomb that may trigger birth defects, physical disabilities, mental retardation, and other illnesses years after being consumed. After a rain event, raw sewage flows directly into creeks and streams and causes water pollution. A chemical leak produces poisonous gas cloud that pollutes the air. Illegal hazardous and toxic waste dumps are common in villages. Empty plastic bottles are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Can money make up for environmental concerns?

A pollution prevention workshop was conducted for three hundred local government officials as a method of enhancing environmental awareness. Pollution prevention strategies were discussed. Poor environmental conditions contribute to unaffordable health care by villagers.

Results/Conclusions

Environmental pollution has been linked to public health. Malaria symptoms and worm infestations were common in villages. An evaluation of villagers to confirm high exposure to worm infestations and malaria is suggested. Public environmental education to address pollution prevention and health issues is recommended.