Solid Waste Management for Sustainable Development and Public health: A Case Study of Lagos State in Nigeria

Oyebode, Oluwadare Joshua (2013) Solid Waste Management for Sustainable Development and Public health: A Case Study of Lagos State in Nigeria. Universal Journal of Public Health.

Text ujph.2013.010301-with-cover-page-v2.pdf Download (761kB)

Abstract

Public health is a fundamental requirement to human existence. Waste is directly linked to human development, both technologically and socially, some components of waste have economical value and can be recycled once correctly recovered. Effects of poor environmental hygiene on public health were studied in the precarious living quarters of Lagos state in Nigeria. This study examined the waste management; identified the challenges facing its operation; proffered possible solutions necessary for the growth of the waste market, and also the need to harness the inherent economic and environmental benefits. Data collected in various centers in the town on cases of morbidity, revealed that malaria is much contracted by populations with 58% cases against 14% for diarrhea and 28% for acute respiratory infections. Under-five children are much affected with 24% of the patients among which 43% were cases of the diarrheic diseases. Also, malaria and respiratory infections are more important during rainy seasons, in contrast to diarrheal diseases caused by poor hygiene of people. It has been ascertained that the level of education affects the public health. The concept transformation of waste from an exhausted utility to a valuable commodity as a mechanism for effective solid waste management is yet to be properly utilized in Lagos State.

Actions (login required)

View Item