Poverty and Environmental Health in Garissa, Kenya: Reflecting the Links
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Date
2004
Authors
Dekow, M. S.
Koskey, P. K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Joypet Sevices & Printers Ltd.
Abstract
At independence, the government of Kenya identified poverty, disease, illiteracy and ignorance as obstacles to national development and had to formulate policy strategies, which have been articulated in National Development Plans, Sessional Papers and Task Force Reports. This paved way to establishment of special programs such as Rural Water Supply and Health Promotion. Despite the government 50 efforts, today, over 60% of Kenyans languish in poverty and are victims of environment-related diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea and typhoid. The situation is more deplorable in Garissa District. This paper, therefore, explores the links between poverty and the poor environmental health of the residents of Garissa. Data was collected through literature review, field observation and key informant interviews. The study concludes that poverty leads to poor environmental health and for environmental health to be improved, poverty has to be reduced among the population.
Description
This paper was presented at the International workshop on ‘Environmental Health Education in the East African Region’ 24th - 26th March 2004 held at Kenyatta University Nairobi, Kenya
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Citation
International workshop on ‘Environmental Health Education in the East African Region’ 24th - 26th March 2004