Environmental Health Program

In commemoration of World Environmental Health Day (WEHD), NPHAI, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Health and Sciences (EHS), University of Ibadan, implemented a series of environmental health activities focused on sanitation, safe waste disposal, and the environmental drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These efforts reinforce an important reality: AMR is not only a clinical issue but is also deeply influenced by environmental conditions. Poor waste management, contaminated water systems, and inadequate sanitation create pathways for resistant organisms to emerge and spread. Through collaborative outreach, awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement, NPHAI promotes integrated approaches to AMR prevention that extend beyond healthcare settings into communities and environmental systems. As part of this commitment, community-focused environmental health activities were carried out, including a Road Walk for the Environment and community engagement visits. During these activities, students actively demonstrated their commitment to environmental protection while raising awareness within the surrounding community. Educational brochures were distributed to students and community members, providing practical information on proper waste disposal, environmental sanitation, climate responsibility, and the links between environmental pollution, public health, and AMR. To deepen engagement, an Inter-School Oratory Competition was organized, giving students a platform to express their understanding of environmental protection, climate responsibility, and the connection between environmental health and antimicrobial resistance. This was followed by an educational session on AMR, highlighting environmental pathways of antibiotic misuse and their impact on both human and animal health. Outstanding participants in the competition were recognized with trophies, medals, and customized notebooks, reinforcing the value of academic excellence and environmental leadership. The commemoration concluded with a tree planting exercise, bringing together students and facilitators in a hands-on commitment to environmental sustainability. Beyond its symbolic value, the activity emphasized long-term responsibility, highlighting how tree planting contributes to healthier ecosystems, improved air quality, and the reduction of environmental conditions that can drive public health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance.