Cité-Soleil’s Environmental Crisis: A Threat to Public Health and State Responsibility

Introduction:

Cité-Soleil, Haiti’s largest slum, is home to approximately 400,000 inhabitants living in extreme
poverty. The area’s socio-economic and environmental degradation has created an unhealthy
environment, characterized by lawlessness, crime, and poverty.

Environmental Reality:
1. Inadequate Sanitation: Lack of sewerage and wastewater evacuation systems, leading to open
canals obstructed by waste, plastics, and feces.
2. Water Contamination: Fecal coliforms, parasites, protozoa, fungi, and toxins render water
unsuitable for consumption.
3. Flooding: Seasonal rains exacerbate environmental chaos, increasing disease transmission.

Health Consequences:
1. Waterborne Diseases: Cholera, typhoid, bacillary dysentery, genitourinary infections,
helminthiasis, intestinal protozoosis, and Bilharzia.
2. Diarrhea: Leading cause of morbidity in children under 5 (MSPP-OPS, MSPP 2004).
3. Cryptosporidiosis: 17% of acute diarrhea in children under 2 (BRAS, 2005).
4. Carcinogenic Risk: Trihalomethane formation due to water chlorination (Emmanuel et al. 2000).

Vector-Borne Diseases:

1. Malaria: Anopheles mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water.
2. Dengue, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, Zika: Aedes mosquitoes propagate in obstructed canals.
3. Filariasis: Culex mosquitoes transmit disease.

State Responsibility:

1. Implement effective waste management systems.
2. Ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
3. Promote sustainable agriculture practices.
4. Enforce regulations on pollution.

Conclusion:
Cité-Soleil’s environmental crisis poses significant health risks to its inhabitants. The Haitian
government must prioritize environmental protection and public health to mitigate these issues.

References:
• Dimanche, (1999). Waste management in Haiti.
• MSPP-OPS, MSPP. (2004). Diarrhea in children under 5.
• BRAS. (2005). Cryptosporidiosis in HIV-infected patients.
• Emmanuel et al. (2000). Trihalomethane formation in drinking water.
• Emmanuel (2003). Salinization of aquifers in Haiti.
• World Health Organization. (2016). Environmental health.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Waterborne illnesses.

The Interconnectedness of Human Health and Environment: A State Responsibility”

Introduction:
The physical, neuropsychological, and mental health of populations is a fundamental right that
governments must protect. A well-functioning public health system is essential for preventing and
addressing threats to human well-being.

The Health-Environment Nexus:
Research underscores the intricate relationship between human health and the environment (WHO,
2016). This interdependence is akin to the visceral connection between a mother and child, where
maternal well-being directly impacts fetal development.

Environmental Determinants of Health:

1. Air Quality: Poor air quality contributes to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular morbidity, and
mortality (L Lopez & Hynes, 2006).
2. Water Quality: Contaminated water sources lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, malnutrition, and
other health issues (CDC, 2020).
3. Soil Degradation: Deforestation, erosion, and pollution compromise food security, mental health,
and overall well-being.

State Responsibility:
Governments must:

1. Implement effective waste management systems.
2. Ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
3. Promote sustainable agriculture practices.
4. Enforce regulations on pollution.

5. Provide healthcare services and mental support.

Conclusion:

The interconnection between human health and environment necessitates a proactive state
response. By prioritizing environmental protection and public health, governments can ensure a
fulfilling and healthy life for their populations.

References:

• World Health Organization. (2016). Environmental health.
• Lopez, L., & Hynes, H. P. (2006). Obesity, physical activity, and the urban environment. Public
Health, 120(12), 1157-1163.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Waterborne illnesses.
• United Nations. (2020). Sustainable Development Goals.