The week-long programme is being held under the theme: “Environmental Health: Standing with Science to Protect Communities.”
The theme underscores the importance of using scientific evidence, reliable data, observation and modern methods in addressing environmental health challenges, including sanitation, waste management, water safety and disease prevention. The International Federation of Environmental Health has also confirmed the theme for the 2026 World Environmental Health Day
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, stakeholders said environmental health practitioners have a critical role to play in preventing diseases by identifying and controlling environmental factors that pose risks to public health.
They urged residents to make environmental cleanliness a daily responsibility by keeping their homes and surroundings clean, disposing of waste properly, protecting water sources and avoiding practices that could expose communities to health hazards.
The Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. Kelvin Nwabueze, encouraged environmental health professionals to remain committed to their duties, stressing the need to work with evidence rather than assumptions.
He noted that environmental health depends on observation, testing and reliable facts, particularly in taking preventive measures to protect lives.
He commended environmental health officers for their contribution to healthier communities and expressed hope that the celebration would inspire greater achievements, new ideas and renewed commitment to environmental protection.
The 2026 activities are expected to include public sensitisation and other programmes aimed at increasing awareness of environmental health and encouraging collective action towards cleaner, healthier and safer communities.
The Delta State observance has similarly focused on the role of environmental health officers in disease prevention and the need for more personnel and modern equipment to strengthen environmental health services.
Independent Newspaper Nigeria
Headline alternatives:
Oshimili South EHOAN Flags Off 2026 Environmental Health Week
Environmental Health Officers Promote Science-Based Community Protection in Oshimili South
Oshimili South Environmental Health Officers Renew Commitment to Disease Prevention
“Work With Evidence, Not Assumptions,” Nwabueze Urges Environmental Health Officers
EHOAN Launches 2026 Environmental Health Week in Oshimili South
