Environmental health challenges in South Africa: policy lessons from case studies
Thomas, E.P.; Seager, J.R.; Mathee, A.
Health and Place 8(4): 251-261
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1353-8292 PMID: 12399214 DOI: 10.1016/s1353-8292(02)00006-0Document Number: 249262
In South Africa, the challenges of economic growth, job creation and effective service delivery are regarded as key to the long-term development of the country. The provision of basic environmental health services is acknowledged as an important factor impacting on the quality of living environments and the health of communities. This paper outlines the environmental health challenges faced by local authorities in the context of national policy, the wider local government development framework and the backlog in the provision of basic services. Using South African examples, the paper concludes with a synopsis of the gaps in policy and delivery drawing on the policy framework of the World Health Organisation, Health for All in the 21st Century. Many of the insights highlighted are likely to parallel the experiences in other developing countries.