Environmental Hygiene

The environment compasses not only the natural surroundings - the air, the water, the plants and animals used for food - but also shelter, modes of transportation and all other products of technology, including pollutants and waste materials; all of which interact to affect health. Environmental considerations become increasingly important during these times of changing emphasis in the fields of energy, economics and technology.

Environmental hygiene can be looked at from two aspects, viz. Hygiene at household level and Hygiene at the community level.

Hygiene at household level

Good-quality housing is a key element for ensuring a healthy community. Poor housing can lead to many health problems, and is associated with infectious, diseases (such as tuberculosis), stress and depression.  Everyone should therefore have access to good-quality housing and a pleasant home environment that makes them happy and content.  Specific aspects of housing quality include ventilation, lighting, general cleanliness of homes, overcrowding in homes, etc.

• To maintain Housing Quality for Hygiene (124KB)

Hygiene at the community level

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), good health is not merely the absence of disease; it is also a reflection of the social and mental well-being of people in a community.

• Achieving good health at community level (186KB)

Source : Healthy villages : A Guide for communities and community health workers

Related Resources

1. Sanitation and hygiene promotion - Programming guide
2. Meena's Three Wishes - Unicef