Bridging the Divide Between Health, Social Development and Environmental Interventions
James Pender of The Leprosy Mission England and Wales has written an article exploring how health, social development and the environment are closely intertwined. With COP26 approaching this year we are keenly aware that is the poorest nations, and those with health concerns who will be most affected by climate change.
Read the full article at the Christian Journal for Global Health (click on pdf)
Abstract
There is historically a divide between health and social development practitioners versus environmentalists, with one side seen to prioritise people and the other seen to prioritize nature. However, the wellbeing of humans and that of the environment are inextricably linked. This paper will use leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease, as an example to show how disregard for the environment through anthropogenic caused climate change may threaten human health. Additionally, it will outline, through the example of The Leprosy Mission England and Wales and its partners, how environmental concerns can be integrated into health programmes with salutary outcomes for both health and environment.