The declaration "is the first step towards saving the lives of millions of people from harmful effects of changes in the environment," said Luis Sambo, director of the World Health Organization's Africa regional office. "I am delighted that we have managed to secure political commitment to catalyse institutional changes."
WHO says that over 23% of all deaths in Africa, estimated at more than 2.4 million each year, are attributable to avoidable environmental risk factors.
The emergence of new environmental risks such as climate change—resulting in desertification and a higher frequency of natural disasters—and Africa's poor capacity to adapt, contaminated water supply, lack of sanitation, prevalence of vectorborne diseases, exposure to toxic chemicals, and poor waste management are issues of major concern in the region.
The Libreville declaration agreed on 29 August, at the end of the ministerial conference on health and environment in Africa, commits governments to implement the necessary policy measures, investment, and institutional changes to maximise cooperation in health and environment initiatives and other priority areas.
More information about the Gabon conference can be found at www.afro.who.int/heag2008/index.html.
