Council calls for implementation, enforcement of National Environmental health practices

Dr. Baba Mohammed, Registrar Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON), has called for the implementation and enforcement of National Environmental Health practice Regulation 2016.

Mohammed said this would help to reduce the incidences of malaria burden in Nigeria by 70 per cent.

The Registrar made the call in a statement by the Council’s Director, Public Affairs , Mr Kehinde Openibo, to mark this year’s World Malaria day Tuesday, in Abuja.

The theme of this year’s Malaria day is: “Harness Innovation to Reduce Malaria Burden and Save Lives” stresses on the need for synergy among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government.

According to him, this synergy will form partnership and support in the prevention and control of Malaria in Nigeria.

“Nigeria represents the world’s greatest malaria burden with approximately 51 million cases and 207,000 deaths reported annually which represents 30 per cent of the total malaria burden in the region.

“Africa is the most affected region globally, about 165.9 million cases of the diseases are reported in the continent in 2020 with an estimated 95 per cent of cases and 96 per cent of deaths.

“Eighty per cent of all deaths are among children aged under five full years,” he said.

He noted that this huge health challenge requires enormous commitment by all.

He further highlighted some of the relevant guidelines developed by the council to help the public on how to ensure clean and healthy environment including Standard Operational Guidelines for Inspection and Certification of Premises, 2022.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Disinfection and Decontamination of Microbial and Chemical Impacted Surfaces, 2022, the Control of Public Health Pest and Vectors Infestation for Environmental Health Professionals in Nigeria, 2022 form the regulations.

Others are Hygiene and Sanitation in the Aviation Industry in Nigeria, 2014, Ship Hygiene and Sanitation in Nigeria, 2014, Registration of Public Health Pest and vector control service providers 2014.

It also included Environmental Health Guidelines and Rules for Estate and Pocket Layouts in Nigeria, Environmental Health Guidelines for Private Sector Participation in Waste Management 2013.

Also included are Environmental Health Guidelines for Private Sector Participation (PSP) in Sewage management and Environmental Health Surveillance in Nigeria 2014 among others (NAN)