Waste management key to health in Africa

About thirty per cent of human ill health that leads to death is as a result of poor quality of environmental management, according to the Nigerian Minister of Environment, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Halima Tayo Alao.

Mrs. Alao recently addressed the ninth Conference of Parties of the Basel Convention in Bali, Indonesia, pointing out that women and children in most parts of the world are in many cases, most negatively affected by the poor waste management practices and hazardous wastes.

The Minister noted that it is these vulnerable groups who come into contact with chemicals, especially agrochemicals and used containers which are used as domestic water containers. Mrs Alao who spoke on the topic, "Improving Maternal Health Through Sound Management of Hazardous Waste," noted that "35 percent of human ill health is caused by poor quality environment," adding that, "improper management of hazardous wastes is one of the problems confronting environmental watchdogs all over the world."

She said the African continent has become the destination of growing volumes of unserviceable electronic equipment and other materials. She added that Nigeria alone, accounts for about five million used computers annually which ultimately constitute a blight to the environment. "These e-waste materials ultimately are burnt off us increasing green house gases (GHGs) which cause global warming and persistent organic poll (POPs).