Public health implications of solid waste management in Akure, Nigeria

Rapid urbanization has made solid waste management a major challenge in Nigeria. This problem is further exacerbated by the nation’s burgeoning population and unrestrained rural–urban migration. Poor management of solid wastes has important implications for public health and the environment. The study examines the impact of waste collection and disposal methods on the health status using primary data obtained from 174 households in Akure metropolis. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and Probit model. Results revealed that the major problems associated with indiscriminate waste disposal are groundwater contamination, unpleasant odour, uncontrolled dumping and risk to public health. The most prevalent diseases in the study area which were associated with poor environmental sanitation include measles (32.8%), diarrhoea (31.3%), malaria (20.2%) and typhoid fever (14.2%). The regression result shows that the use of waste management agencies and the amount paid for waste disposal are important determinants of public health. Based on the above findings, the study recommends increased public awareness on the need to employ the services of waste collection agencies to ensure proper waste disposal which in turn reduces the emergence and proliferation of communicable diseases.