Monday 26 September ,2022
Eden University joined the rest of the world in commemorating WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DAY which was themed; STRENGTHENING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
Speaking at the celebrations held at Foxdale Forest, Eden University’s HOD-Environmental Health, Mr Kennedy Chishimba, who is also the Zambia institute of Environmental Health (ZIEH) President, explained that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call of action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity now and in the future.
“The 17 SDGs are integrated. This implies that actions made in one area will affect outcomes in others and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability, all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests” Said Mr Chishimba.
The mission statement of the United Nations on SDGs is as follows: “A blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all people and the world by 2030.”
Environmental Health plays a pivotal role in the implementation of these SDGs. It is interesting to note that Environmental Health fits into 7 SDGs, 19 targets and 30 indicators of the SDGs
Speaking at the same event, Joyce banda, a third year student at Eden University, thanked the Department for allowing them to join other colleges and universities in this celebration as it gave them a wider understanding of the roles of environmental health practitioners.
Over 60 students attended the event and were accompanied by the Environmental Health Programmes Co-ordinator, Mrs Victoria Chandika.
Story Credit: Michelo Malambo.