Healthy Planet, Healthy People

World Health Day is an annual celebration aimed at highlighting specific health topics

April 7 marks World Health Day. It commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 and was established to promote the benefits of good health and wellbeing across the globe.

World Health Day is one of eight health-focused awareness days established by WHO. Each year a specific theme is chosen to highlight a current health topic. As part of the programmes scheduled, the WHO invites all stakeholders, including organisations, NGOs, communities and governments, to share steps they are taking to protect the health and  wellbeing of all citizens.

‘Our planet, our health’ is the chosen theme for 2022. This defines the interconnectedness between the health and wellness of the planet with that of every human being. The Earth provides us with the resources we need for good health – oxygen in the air we breathe, the food we eat and life-giving water.

A Focus on Water

Water is essential for all life. It’s part of our planet and it’s a part of every living being. About 70% of Earth’s surface is covered in water and our bodies comprise about 60%. The average adult needs between 2.5l and 3.7l of fluid every day, to carry out important bodily functions.

In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly recognised the right to water and sanitation as a basic human right. Everyone has the right to safe, easily accessible and affordable water for personal use. The right to sufficient food and water is also enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution.

Water may be essential for good health and wellbeing, but the WHO says that 785 million people lack the basic service for fresh drinking water. Over two billion people use a water source contaminated with faeces.

Water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid fever are caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites (pathogens). The WHO estimates that over 820,000 people die annually from diarrhoea caused by unsafe drinking water and sanitation. With access to basic services, these deaths are preventable.

Water-borne Diseases in South Africa

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as a ‘stomach bug’ or gastro, is caused by bacteria or viruses.  It is transmitted through contaminated water or food and can spread rapidly within families or communities.

The disease usually presents with fatigue and a loss of appetite, followed by vomiting and diarrhoea. The patient feels unwell, with stomach cramps and he or she may develop a low-grade to moderate fever.

Healthy individuals usually recover in a few days but in some cases, the disease can be fatal. More serious cases of gastroenteritis are seen in babies, the elderly and those who have weakened immune systems.

Treatment is through oral rehydration and in severe cases, admission to hospital to receive fluids through an IV (intravenous drip). Anti-vomiting and anti-diarrhoeal medication should only be taken on the advice of a healthcare provider. In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics.

Cholera

Cholera is transmitted through drinking water and food contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholera. The bacteria produces a toxin that causes diarrhoea. Once the bacteria is ingested, the incubation period is one to five days.

Symptoms include vomiting, watery diarrhoea, leg cramps, irritability and thirst. Replacing lost fluids through oral rehydration is a first-line treatment, and where indicated, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics. In a more severe case, the patient may need to receive fluids through IV in hospital.

Watery diarrhoea can rapidly lead to dehydration and if left untreated, can lead to kidney failure. Signs of dehydration include rapid heartbeat and loss of skin elasticity. Anyone presenting with these symptoms (or caring for a loved one with them) should seek medical attention.

Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is endemic in South Africa and annually, a small number of cases are reported. The disease is transmitted through contaminated food and water, usually from human waste from an infected person. It can also be transmitted through a carrier, a person who after contracting the illness and recovering, continues to shed the bacteria in their urine and faeces, without symptoms.

In South Africa, typhoid fever is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi, related to the salmonella bacteria that causes food poisoning. The incubation period is between 10 and 14 days but may occur within the range of five to 21 days. The disease can be mild to severe, with severe cases leading to serious complications which can be fatal. A mild case is usually treated at home for a period of one to two weeks, while severe cases require treatment in hospital.

Symptoms are fatigue, headache, body pain, high fever, abdominal pain and nausea. Some individuals present with diarrhoea while others have constipation. Some may also present with a rash and hoarse cough.

A case of typhoid fever can be confirmed through a blood test. The disease is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. Individuals diagnosed with typhoid fever, or those taking care of a sick patient, must wash their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or administering care. Those diagnosed with the disease should not prepare food for others while they are ill. Once antibiotic treatment starts, most people begin to feel better and recover in a few days.

Final Word

We can all work together to protect our natural water resources and use water more sparingly. Where possible, use grey water (used bath water and water from washing clothing, not kitchen or toilet water) to water your garden, or harvest rainwater. Regularly check taps and toilets in your home for leaks and fix these promptly. Also, consider what you flush down the toilet. Never flush expired medication as this can impact on the health of others and the environment. Hand in any expired medication at your local pharmacy

And lastly, if you do need to use water from another source and you are not sure if it is safe to drink, boil the water on a rolling boil (bubbling continuously for three to five minutes) or use water purification tablets (available from pharmacies and sports or camping stores).

To get involved with preventative healthcare programmes or for bespoke solutions for your company, contact us on 053 712 0016 or click on Contacts Us.

Resources: https://www.who.int/; https://www.healthline.com/; https://www.cdc.gov/; https://www.mayoclinic.org/; http://www.waterwise.co.za/; https://www.nhs.uk/; https://www.usgs.gov/; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/; https://www.nicd.ac.za/; https://www.webmd.com/; https://medlineplus.gov/