The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) has reaffirmed that protecting the environment is one of the most effective ways to safeguard public health and reduce the growing impact of climate change. The institute has emphasized that healthy ecosystems are essential for preventing disease, supporting sustainable livelihoods and improving the overall well-being of communities across Zambia. This message was reinforced during a tree-planting exercise held at Hermann Gmeiner Secondary School in Livingstone, where environmental conservation was presented as a shared responsibility for every citizen. The event brought together health professionals, community members and other stakeholders to promote environmental awareness through practical action. As climate change continues to affect countries across Africa, initiatives such as tree planting are becoming increasingly important in building healthier and more resilient communities.
Speaking during the event, ZNPHI Director General Professor Roma Chilengi explained that the protection of natural ecosystems is closely connected to the health and safety of the population. He noted that forests, clean water sources and healthy landscapes provide natural protection against many environmental threats that can lead to disease outbreaks. According to Professor Chilengi, preserving biodiversity and maintaining balanced ecosystems help reduce health risks while supporting food production and clean air. He stressed that environmental conservation should not be viewed only as an ecological issue but also as a public health priority. His remarks highlighted the need for greater collaboration between government institutions, schools, communities and environmental organizations to ensure sustainable development.
Professor Chilengi also emphasized the importance of the One Health approach, which recognizes the strong connection between human health, animal health, plant health and the environment. This integrated strategy encourages different sectors to work together in addressing complex health challenges that cannot be solved by one discipline alone. As climate change alters ecosystems and increases interactions between people, wildlife and domestic animals, the risk of emerging diseases also rises. The One Health approach aims to strengthen disease prevention by improving environmental management while promoting healthier relationships between people and nature. By adopting this model, Zambia continues to support global efforts to improve health security and environmental sustainability at the same time.
The ZNPHI Director General further warned that deforestation and environmental degradation remain serious threats to Zambia’s future. The continued loss of forests contributes to declining rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts and soil degradation that affect agriculture and food security. Many communities depend directly on natural resources for farming, livestock production and access to clean water, making environmental destruction a direct threat to their livelihoods. Reduced vegetation also increases temperatures and weakens the environment’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. Professor Chilengi stressed that reversing these trends requires long-term investment in conservation, responsible land management and community participation.
Tree planting was presented as one of the most practical and effective ways to restore damaged ecosystems while creating healthier living conditions. Trees help improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, while also reducing soil erosion and protecting water sources. They provide habitats for wildlife, regulate local temperatures and help reduce the impact of extreme weather conditions. Reforestation projects also contribute to stronger agricultural systems by improving soil fertility and supporting biodiversity. The tree-planting exercise at Hermann Gmeiner Secondary School served as an example of how local communities can make meaningful contributions toward environmental restoration through simple but impactful actions.
Meanwhile, One Health National Coordinator Dr. Raymond Hamoonga described tree planting as an essential investment in the country’s environmental and public health future. He explained that restoring natural ecosystems helps reduce environmental health risks while strengthening communities against the effects of climate change. Healthy forests improve water cycles, reduce flooding and support cleaner environments that lower the spread of diseases linked to pollution and environmental degradation. Dr. Hamoonga encouraged schools, local organizations and households to actively participate in tree-planting campaigns throughout the country. He noted that every tree planted today contributes to a healthier and safer environment for future generations.
Dr. Hamoonga also raised concerns about the growing impact of air and water pollution on public health. Polluted air contributes to respiratory illnesses, while contaminated water increases the risk of waterborne diseases that continue to affect many communities. Environmental pollution weakens ecosystems and places additional pressure on already vulnerable populations, particularly children and older adults. He urged communities to adopt environmentally responsible practices such as proper waste disposal, protecting rivers and reducing activities that contribute to pollution. Public participation, he said, remains one of the strongest tools for preventing environmental health risks before they become larger public health emergencies.
The messages delivered by ZNPHI during the Livingstone tree-planting exercise demonstrate that environmental conservation and public health are inseparable. Protecting forests, restoring ecosystems and reducing pollution all contribute to healthier communities and greater resilience against climate change. The One Health approach provides a practical framework for addressing these interconnected challenges by encouraging cooperation across multiple sectors. Through continued education, community involvement and environmental action, Zambia can strengthen both its natural resources and its public health systems. The tree-planting initiative stands as a reminder that protecting the environment is not only about preserving nature but also about protecting people’s health, supporting sustainable development and creating a healthier future for generations to come.