By NOELLE NICOLLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net:
THE current rate of urbanisation in the Bahamas, as well as globally, could present "unprecedented social, health and environmental challenges" if not addressed, according to health experts.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and its regional arm, the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), are calling for action to address the needs of the changing population landscape.
The theme "Urbanisation and Health" governed the celebration of World Health Day 2010 yesterday.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday morning Minister of Health Dr Hubert Minnis said:
"Cities are the centre of commercial, political and cultural life, attracting people who are looking for greater wealth and a more prosperous life.
"People who live in urban settings are exposed to a wide range of environmental factors. While a move to city life brings about improvement in economic status, it also leads to public health challenges."
Over half of the world's 6.3 billion inhabitants reside in cities. According to the United Nation Population Division, in 20 years, six out of every 10 people are projected to be city dwellers.
Almost 85 per cent of the Bahamas' population lives in urban areas, which is well above the Caribbean's 67 per cent average. By the year 2050, the urban population in the Bahamas is expected to comprise 91 per cent.
Dr Minnis declared that the Bahamas is on board with the global World Health Day celebrations.
The aim of the ministry is to integrate the activities associated with World Health Day into a "sustained strategy to combat the effects of urban living and reverse trends".
On Saturday, the Ministry of Health will host a Farmers' Market at the Fox Hill Parade to showcase the produce of local farmers, backyard gardeners and producers of native products.
The market is aimed at highlighting some of the steps people can take towards improving their health, particularly by eating healthier.
Several other health challenges to be examined, are pollution, water, sanitation, waste, increased exposure to communicable diseases and violence, smoking and second-hand smoke, drug use, and an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases.
"Regular activities at the street, neighbourhood, and local levels, in addition to those occurring at the national and regional level can have a profound impact on the health of the population. Urbanisation also creates stress on the environment," said Dr Minnis.
"We can combat population and environmental stress by encouraging neighbourhoods to participate in clean-up campaigns and walking groups to promote healthier environments. Communities can come together to promote safety and decrease violence. Taken together, these activities can contribute to a healthier population and safer environment for all," he said.
The Bahamas recently moved on one area of recommended policy actions to improve urban living conditions.
To improve conditions, communities are encouraged to adopt "progressive land use policies" that regulate commercial and non-commercial areas, as well as protected lands for recreation and the preservation of natural resources.
The Revised Planning and Subdivision legislation, recently passed in the House of Assembly, seeks to address these issues, among others.
It is expected to be implemented by July 1.
April 08, 2010
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