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Environment and health in South Africa: Gains, losses, and opportunities

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Abstract

South Africans face a range of preventable environmental hazards to their health, many of which are rooted in the country's colonial and apartheid past, and ongoing poverty and inequality. Since the advent of democracy in the country, government has made considerable progress in improving living conditions and in developing the legal framework to prevent and manage environmental contamination. Considerable, under-exploited potential also exists in South Africa to prevent disease, including infectious and chronic diseases, and to promote health through a more holistic and public health approach. This article summarizes the main environmental health concerns and reflects on mechanisms and opportunities to improve public environmental health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. South African Medical Research Council, PO Box 87373, Houghton, 2041, South Africa

    Angela Mathee

  2. School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Angela Mathee

  3. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Angela Mathee

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  1. Angela Mathee
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The author highlights a range of preventable environmental hazards to the health of South Africans, and suggests strengthening institutional capacity to enforce existing legislation.

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Mathee, A. Environment and health in South Africa: Gains, losses, and opportunities. J Public Health Pol 32 (Suppl 1), S37–S43 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1057/jphp.2011.21

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/jphp.2011.21

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