Health Effects of Environmental Exposures, Occupational Hazards and Climate Change in Ethiopia: Synthesis of Situational Analysis, Needs Assessment and the Way Forward

Authors

  • Kiros Berhane
  • Abera Kumie
  • Jonathan Samet

Abstract

Abstract Background: The burden of diseases caused by environmental and occupational health hazards and the effects of global climate change are of growing concerns in Ethiopia. However, no adequate information seems to be available on the current situation. This means there is a critical gap in research, policy framework and implementation in the country. Objective: The purpose of this paper was to synthesize evidence from a systematic situational analysis and needs assessment to help establish a hub for research and training on three major themes and their related policy frameworks: air pollution and health, occupational health and safety and climate change and health. Methods: The methods used in this work include a systematic review of secondary data from peer reviewed literature, thesis reports from academia, government and national statistical reports. Limited primary data based on key informant interviews held with major stakeholders was also used as sources of data. Findings: Exposures to high levels of indoor and outdoor air pollutants was found to be major sources of public health challenges. Lack of occupational safety and health due to agricultural activities and exposure to industries was found to be substantial. Worse is the growing fear that climate change will pose increasingly significant multi-dimensional challenge to the environment and public health. Across all three areas of focus, there was paucity of information on local scientific evidence. There is also very limited trained skilled manpower and physical infrastructure to monitor the environment and enforce regulatory guidelines. Research, policy frameworks and regulatory mechanisms were among the cross-cutting issues that needed urgent attention. Conclusions: critical gaps were observed in research and training across the three themes. Also, there is a limitation in implementing the link between policy and related regulations in the environment and health. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2015;29(Special Issue):39-45]

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Published

2020-12-26

How to Cite

Berhane, K., Kumie, A., & Samet, J. (2020). Health Effects of Environmental Exposures, Occupational Hazards and Climate Change in Ethiopia: Synthesis of Situational Analysis, Needs Assessment and the Way Forward. The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development, 21(1). Retrieved from https://ejhd.org/index.php/ejhd/article/view/352