Those aspects of the human health and disease that are determined by factors in the environment is called environmental health. It also refers to the theory and practice of assessing and controlling factors in the environment that can potentially affect health.

Environmental health as used by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, includes both the direct pathological effects of chemicals, radiation and some biological agents, and the effects (often indirect) on health and of the broad physical, psychological, social and cultural environment, which includes housing, urban development, land use and transport.[1]

As of 2016 the WHO website on environmental health states "Environmental health addresses all the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person, and all the related factors impacting. It encompasses the assessment and control of those environmental factors that can potentially affect health. It is targeted towards preventing disease and creating health-supportive environments. This definition excludes not related to environment, as well as related to the social and cultural environment, as well as genetics."[2]

The WHO has also defined environmental health services as "those services which implement environmental health policies through monitoring and control activities. They also carry out that role by promoting the improvement of environmental parameters and by encouraging the use of environmentally friendly and healthy technologies and behaviors. They also have a leading role in developing and suggesting new policy areas."[citation needed]

The term environmental medicine may be seen as a medical specialty, or branch of the broader field of environmental citation needed] Terminology is not fully established, and in many European countries they are used interchangeably.

The Department of Health in collaboration with Frances Baa rd District Municipality will be hosting a conference in commemoration of the 2019 World Environmental Health Day on 26 to 27 September 2019.

The conference will be held in Lodge and Conference Cent re in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The international theme for 2019 is "Climate Change challenges, time for global Environmental Health to act in unison".

Environmental Health Practitioners from all spheres of government, students from Institutions of Higher Learning, relevant Gos, representatives of the Health Professions Council of South Africa, South African Local Government Association, World Health and other government departments are expected to attend the two-day conference.

Minister of Health MHz will be note address. Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe will be officiating the Alfred NZ Environmental Health Excellence Awards.

Build–Up Activities

Provinces, Municipalities and Points of Entry are encouraged to partake in build up activities in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, during the month of September to raise awareness on the theme and environmental health.

Registration Processes

All delegates who would like to attend the two-day event must register with the relevant Provincial Environmental Health Managers in the Provincial Offices, contact details attached.