Environmental health plays a pivotal role in protecting human health from risks resulting from changes or pollution in the surrounding environment, including air, water, soil, and food, in addition to physical, chemical, and biological factors that may directly or indirectly affect human life. Concern for environmental health has become increasingly important in light of the increasing incidence of epidemics and diseases linked to environmental factors.<br /><br />Environmental Health<br /><br />Environmental health is a branch of public health that studies the relationship between humans and their environment. It aims to prevent disease and improve quality of life by controlling harmful environmental factors. Its areas include air and water quality, waste management, chemical pollution, climate change, and harmful agricultural and industrial practices.<br /><br />Environmentally Related Epidemics:<br /><br />In recent decades, the world has witnessed the spread of several epidemics in which the environment was a major factor in their emergence or spread, including:<br /><br />Cholera: spreads due to the contamination of drinking water with sewage.<br /><br />Malaria and Dengue: caused by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water, especially in hot and humid areas.<br /><br />Coronavirus (COVID-19): Although it is a viral disease not directly linked to the environment, urbanization, habitat destruction, and increased human-wildlife interactions have been contributing factors to the virus's transmission.<br /><br />Respiratory diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis, are increasing due to air pollution from vehicle and industrial exhausts.<br /><br />Main causes of environmental epidemics:<br /><br />Water, air, and soil pollution.<br /><br />Poor solid and liquid waste management.<br /><br />Climate change and rising temperatures.<br /><br />Deterioration of health infrastructure in developing regions.<br /><br />Uncontrolled urbanization and the destruction of natural habitats.<br /><br />Strategies to combat environmental epidemics:<br /><br />Strengthening control of environmental pollution sources.<br /><br />Improving sanitation and drinking water supply services.<br /><br />Safe and environmentally friendly waste management.<br /><br />Community health education on preventive behaviors.<br /><br />Adopting clear, evidence-based national environmental health policies.<br /><br />Epidemic surveillance and early warning, especially in high-risk areas.<br /><br />Environmental health is not just a luxury; it is the foundation for the health and stability of societies. Combating environmentally related epidemics requires integrating health and environmental efforts, long-term strategic planning, and engaging communities in protecting their environment. A clean and safe environment means healthier communities that are more resilient to disease.<br /><br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq.<br/><br/><a href=https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/ target=_blank>Goal 15 - life on land</a>