Poverty, Sanitation and Public Health Nexus – Implications on Core Residential Neighbourhood of Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

The thrust of this paper is to investigate the inter-relationship among poverty, environmental sanitation and public health with a view to establish its implication on residential neighbourhoods of Akure urban centre. The study examines the city core area as a case study. It summarizes and interprets findings from empirical survey of some residential buildings randomly selected within the study area through the use of questionnaire survey, direct observation, photo prints, housing demographic and facility surveys, while health records were obtained from the few available health institutions in the area. Research variables investigated include socio-economic lifestyle of residents, source of water supply, condition of sanitary facilities, quality of housing, and various health hazards experienced. Findings affirm the area as a typical slum environment. It also shows that health of individuals cannot be considered in isolation without considering the socio-economic base, building and the environment in which they live. The paper, therefore, recommends socio-economic revitalization, public enlightenment, environmental and health education, enforcement of environmental sanitation laws and re-introduction of old sanitary inspectors as follow-up strategies to sustain any renewal effort been proposed in the area.