CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Anambra State as part of Nigeria adopted environmental sanitation to promote human and environmental health (Federal Ministry of Environment, 2005). However, the state of the environment of Anambra State speaks poorly about the objectives of environmental sanitation being achieved (Anyaeji, 2005). Anyaeji (2005) observed that environmental sanitation in Anambra State is generally poor. Kriesel (1990) observed that people are producing health nuisances more than they are abating them. In the words of Eke (1983) the environment of Anambra State  continues to degenerate, deteriorate and degrade.

Environmental sanitation, according to Ogbalu (1997), is a process of taming the environment so that it no longer constitutes a hazard to man. The components of environmental sanitation are Solid waste management, Medical waste management, Food sanitation, Sanitary inspection of premises, Market and abattoir sanitation, Adequate potable water supply, School sanitation, Pest and vector control, Management of urban drainage, Control of reared and stray animals, Disposal of the dead, Weed and vegetation control, Hygiene education and promotion (F.M.E. 2005). Jamison (1993) stated that the components of environmental sanitation are part of wellness approach to life. Sridhar (1999) asserted that the practice of environmental sanitation had tremendously improved public health status of most countries of the world.

 Various opinions have been expressed on the need to practice environmental sanitation to ensure a sustainable environment (F.M.E.,2005) . This is because according to Davis (1969) and Ogbalu (1997)  whatever happens to the environment affects those within it. F.M.E (2005) asserted that the alarming rate at which heaps of solid wastes occupy most of Nigerian cities constituted visual blight, odour nuisance and provided favourable breeding grounds for vectors of many diseases. Obionu (1987) noted that due to inadequate sanitary inspection of premises, many health hazards are not detected and abated. The World Health Organisation (WHO 1993) is also concerned about poor sanitation in member countries. In a resolution by the regional committee for Africa during the forty-third session, stated in its document AFR (RC43) RS of 7th September, 1993, that: It is expedient to affirm that proper sanitation and sound waste management are crucial in the promotion and protection of human health and the environment, both of which are necessary for sustainable development. 

United States Agency for International Development (USAID, 1999) informed that deficiencies in pest and vector control, food sanitation, school sanitation, market and abattoir sanitation, adequate potable water supply and sewage management contribute significantly to the continuing high rate of sanitation related diseases. WHO (1997) noted that there is a relationship between improper implementation of components of environmental sanitation and sanitation related diseases. Udoh (1981) in a study conducted in South West of Nigeria using research survey method on the provision of healthful living environment in elementary schools found out that most schools lacked basic sanitation facilities.

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