Delta Environmental Health Officers Seek More Personnel, Equipment to Strengthen Disease Prevention
Environmental Health Officers in Delta State have called for the recruitment of more personnel and provision of modern equipment to strengthen environmental health services and prevent disease outbreaks across the state.
The Deputy Director, Environmental Health Services, Sanitarian Esther Oghenevwegba Edafienene made the call in Asaba during the opening ceremony and flag-off of public sensitisation activities marking the 2026 World Environmental Health Day.
The global event, observed annually on September 26, is being celebrated this year under the theme, “Environmental Health: Standing with Science to Protect Communities.”
The Deputy Director said the theme highlights the need for environmental health practitioners to rely on scientific evidence, modern technology and data-driven approaches in tackling sanitation, waste management, water safety, hygiene and other environmental health challenges.
She explained that environmental health officers play a critical role in preventing diseases by identifying and controlling environmental factors capable of threatening public health.
According to her, prevention remains more effective and less costly than treating diseases after they have occurred.
“Prevention is a better and cheaper approach, and the health of one man is the health of all,” he said.
The official urged residents to regard environmental protection as a collective responsibility involving individuals, families, communities and government.
She advised the public to maintain proper hygiene, dispose of waste responsibly, protect water sources and avoid practices capable of exposing communities to diseases or degrading the environment.
Sanitarian Esther Edafienene also called for greater investment in the environmental health workforce, noting that some trained environmental health officers remained unemployed while serving personnel required additional equipment to effectively carry out their duties.
“Thank God for the manpower we have, but we need more equipment to be able to discharge our community protection services,” he said.
The Deputy Director noted that the work of environmental health officers was often overlooked because much of their contribution involved preventing disease outbreaks before they occurred.
She therefore encouraged practitioners to remain committed to their duties and continue to apply scientific methods and modern technology in protecting the communities they serve.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, the Chairman Environmental Health Officers Association Sanitarian Nancy Chinedum-Mekwuye said the event was designed to sensitize the public on the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
The official stressed that prevention remained better than cure, adding that a clean environment helps reduce the spread of diseases and promotes the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
The Chairman urged residents to make environmental cleanliness a daily responsibility by keeping their homes and surroundings clean and disposing of waste properly.
“When we maintain a clean environment, we reduce the risk of sickness and create healthier communities. Environmental health is everyone's responsibility, and prevention remains the best approach,” the official said.
The World Environmental Health Day celebration in Delta State is being observed as a week-long programme featuring public sensitisation and other activities aimed at promoting environmental health awareness and encouraging collective action towards cleaner, healthier and safer communities.
The Chairman House Committee on Environment, Oshimili South,Hon.Kelven Nwabueze noted that as they celebrate World Environmental Health Day,he encourage them to keep doing the good work they are doing.
He said a society that takes environmental health seriously is a healthier, safer and better society.
Hon.Nwabueze said they must work with evidence, not assumptions.
He said Environmental health is about observation, testing, reliable facts and taking preventive measures to protect lives.
He prayed that as they celebrate this important day, may it mark the beginning of greater achievements, new ideas and renewed commitment to environmental health.
"May God continue to strengthen all environmental health professionals and bless the work of their hands."
Hon.Nwabueze also prayed that their efforts continue to contribute to a cleaner, healthier and safer society.
