The Gauteng Department of Health is urging residents to take environmental health seriously as the province on Saturday marks World Environmental Health Day.
The department said environmental health practitioners play a pivotal role in preventing disease by monitoring food safety, water and sanitation, as well as waste management and pollution.
This year’s theme is Environmental Health: Standing with Science to Protect Communities.
Throughout September, the department has run awareness activities across Gauteng, focusing on food safety, hygiene and waste management.
Spokesperson Steve Mabona said protecting environmental health should be a shared responsibility.
“The department, therefore, urges the public to take simple steps to reduce environmental health risks. These include washing hands regularly, using safe drinking water, keeping food covered and stored correctly, keeping toilets and surroundings clean, disposing of waste properly, preventing stagnant water and controlling pests, such as rats and flies. Communities are also encouraged to avoid burning waste and to store household chemicals safely in their original containers.”
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Puleng Maake
www.ewn.co.za
