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TRANSCRIPT
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RSj91jGEj35(MAA) ENGLISH ONLY
REPORT
SIXTH MEETING OF PEPAS ADVISORY COMMI'ITEE 9 - 13 December 1991 - ~
Convened hy the
WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONAL CENTRE FOR THE PROMOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING
AND APPLIED STUDIES (PEPAS)
Kuala Lumpur, M .. day~ia
Not for sale
Printed and distributed
by the
Western Pacific Regional Centre for the Promotion of Environmental Planning
and Applied Studies (PEPAS) POBox 12550
.5J118£1< u 11 I aj.,u JJ1'pJI r Malaysia
April 1992
NOTE
The views expressed in this report are those of the members of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Centre for the Promotion of Envirollmental Planning and Applied Studies (PEPAS) Advisory Committee and do not necessarily reneet the policies of the Organization.
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This report has been prepared by the WHO Western Pacific Regional Centre for the Promotion of Environmental Planning and Applied Studies (PEPAS) for the members and the secretariat of the PEPAS Advisory Committee Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 9 to 13 December 1991.
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CONTENTS
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1. CONCLUSIoNS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................ 1
2. OPENING OF THE MEETING .............................................................................. 5
3. PRESENTATIONS ON TilE GLOBAL AND REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEAL TIl PROGRAMME ................................................ 5
4. PRESENTATION OF THE REPORT ON PEP AS ACTIVITIES .................... 6
5. REVIEw OF ACTIVITIES IN COMMUNITY WA1'ER SUPPLY AND SANIT ATJON (CWS) .................................................................... 7
6. REVIEW OF ACTIVI11ES IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN RURAL AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING (RUD) ................................................. \U •• , ••• , ..•..•••••.••.••........•.••.••. 7
7. REVIEW OF ActiVITIES IN THE PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY (PCS) ................................................ :: .................................. 8
8. REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES IN THE CONTROL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IIAZARDS (CEil) .......................................... 8
9. REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES IN FOOD SAFETY (rOS) ..................................... 9
10. PRESENTATION ON TilE ORGANIZATION OF PEPAS AND ITS WORK IN RELATION TO THE OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH pROGRAMME OF THE WHO WESTERN PACIFIC REGION ..............................................•... 9
t I. PRESENTATION ON TilE RECOMMENDATIONS OF TilE CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON HEALTH AND ENViRONMENT ...................................................................................................... 10
12. PRESENTATION ON PRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE WHO WESTERN PACIFIC REGION ................................................................................................... 10
13. DISCUSSIONS ON PRIORITIES AND IMPORTANT ISSUES IN THE V ARIOtJS PROGRAMME AREAS ..................................... 12
14. DISCUSSIONS ON AN INTEGRAtED PROGRAMME ON ENVIRONMENTAL fIEALTH ..................................................................... 16
15. DISCUSSIONS ON A NAME CHANGE FOR PEP AS .................................... 17
16. FORMULATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................ 17
17. PRESENTATION OF THE REPORT AND CLOSING .................................. 17
ANNEXES: ......................................................... : ................................................... ~
ANNEX 1 - OPENING ADDRESS OF DR S.T. HAN, REGIONAL D1RECfOR, WHO REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC .................................... 19
ANNEX 2 - LIST OF ADVISORY COMMIT\"EE MEMI3ERS AND SECRETARIAT STAFF ......................................................... 21
ANNEX 3 - AGENDA ............................................................................................. 23
ANNEX 4: REPORT ON THE WORK OF PEPAS . (JULY 1989 - JUNE 1991) ....... ; ................ ..:. ..... ~ ............................... 29
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1. CONCLUStONS AND RECoMMENDA1'tONS
The Committee urged that the focus of the environmental health management activities of PEPAS be strongly proactive in terms of pollution prevention and control, with particular emphasis on those priority Issues whic~ pose the most significant threat to human healLh and well-being. The conclusIOns and recotnmendations of the Committee were as follows:
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RECOMMENDATION I : GENERAL
PEP AS sbould give iricreased emphasis to thc implcmentation of applied studies in environmental health. These studies shollld be carried out as joint projects with governments and other agencies :Ind.sl;Iould promote the development of appropriate technology. Additionally, consideration should be given to signiflcantfy increasing WHO's regular budget commitment in this area. .
1.2 To interrelate health and the environment, it is important to collect information and select al,prol1riate health indical{)rs to quantify environmental health ef ects 111 clear and relevant terms. In tlus re&ard, the application of epidemiology, toxicology and environmental economics to the promotion of environmental health activities shOllld be encouraged. PEPAS should enhance its ability to cooperate in these areas. An environmental epidemiologist position should be established, and ',' arrangements made to provide advisory services on toxicology and economics. Options for ohtaining funding fot the ptovision of such services from other agencies should be explored. .
1.3 In the Ii&ht of the recommendations of the Consultative Group on Health and EnVironment held in Manila in November 1991, [,EPAS should give priority to providing technical support and input to implement those recommenaations. In particular, PEPAS should give priority to:
• involvement in projects which have potential demonstration effects;
· cooperation with countries to establish environmental health standards for II1dustrialization projects and to build these into laws, regulations and codes of practice;
· achievement of better linkages with external surport agencies to develop app~opriate protocols to address environmenta health problems in the RegIOn.
1.4 The Committee endorsed the approach to health and the environment contained in the draft conclusions of the Consultative Group on Health and Environment, and in particular asked that the evaluation framework for selecting priority issues for action be used by PEPAS ill determining its work programme and in selecting from among competing demands.
1.5 PEPAS should continue upgrading its services to facilitate the development, collection, dissemination and exchange of technical information related to environmental health. This should include, among other things, the
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networking of institutions and individuals involved In various environmental health areas. In this regard, particular emphasis should be given to utilizing the most effective modes of mformation exchange (e.g., a geographical information system); and to the strengthening of data quality assurance procedures: . .
1.6 PEP AS should expand its role in the practical trainin~ of environmental health offiCials in the Region. To support these traimng activities. PEPAS should seek to work in collaboration with the University of Agriculture (UPM). Malaysia - where PEPAS is located - and other relevant agencies of countnes in the Region where training and laboratory facilities are available.
1.7 To enhance.PEPAS' health promotion, markcting, and advocacy activities, WHO should convene a meeting of senior government officials and external support agencies to address the following:
- environmental health implications in the Region arising from the United Natioo.~ Conference on Environment and Development to be held in 1992; .
- major environmental health issues and associated strategic interventions for resolving those issues; and ..
- a Regional Declaration on the promotion of environmental health in the 21st Century. ,.
RECOMMENDATION 2 : COMMUNITY WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION (CWS) ".
2.1 As a priority, PEPAS should collaborate with countries to promote water allocation plans in order to protect drinking water sllpply sources so that adequate quantities are available in the future., In tIllS regard, legislative prOVision for the priority allocation of water for drinking water supplies should be advocated.
2.2 PEPAS should cooperate with countries in the promotion of practical water quality control and quality assurance r.rogrammes that are appropriate for the capabilities and conditions of eac I country, with initial emphasis on the development of procedures for operation and maintenance of treatment plants and reticulation systems.
2.3 Priorit¥ countries for PEPAS collaborative activities in water supply and sanitation should be Camhodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Viet Nam and the underserved Pacific island cOlin tries. Where possible, PEPAS activities in these countries should be allied to the implementation of actual projects carried out in the field;
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RECoMMENI>ATION 3: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN RURAL ANI> URBAN OEVEWPMENT
ANI> HOUSING (RUI»
3.1. PEPAS should provide technical input to the Healthy Urban Environment project, which involves among other thin&s, health promotion, primary health care and environmental health activities.
3.2 PEPAS should collaborate with Member States in assessing positive and negative health implications of low-cost housing programmes and establishing environmental health criteria/standards for such housing schemes.
3.3 PEPAS should collaborate with Member States in assessing health risks associated with rural and urban development activities and providing management options to minimize the rIsks.
3.4 PEPAS should collaborate with Pacific island c()untricsaDd areas in improving the m~~l!gement of solid waste throllgh demonstration projects, among other activIties. '.
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RECOMMENIlATION 4 :;. HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF l'OTENTIALLY TOXIC
CHEMICALS (PCS)
PEPAS should collaborate with Member States in developing a legislative framework and technical and managerial capahilities for safe handling and disposal of hazardous waste within the countries as well as for controlling transboundary movement of hazardous substances.
4.2 PEPAS should encourage the provision of information and training activities on health impacts/risks and management of toxic chemicals to the community and end-user levels.
4.3 PEPAS should collaborate with Member States in assessing the handling and disposal alternatives for hospital/clinical waste with urgent attention to AIDS-related waste.
RECOMMENDATION 5: CONTROL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS (CEH)
5.1 Air Quality management
5.1.1 Fossil fuel combustion is a major source of air pollution in certain countries. PEPAS should collaborate with Member States (particularly China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines and the Repuhlic of Korea), external support agencies and the private sector, etc. on measures to encourage the use of alternative fuels and the production of cleaner fuels; and to control associated emissions of air and water pollutants.
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5.1.2 Motor vehicle air pollutants are increasing in urban areas of the Region, resulting in exceSSive concentrations of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and lead, as well as causing the formation of r.hotochemical smog (haze) in certain cities. PEPAS should collaborate wit I Member States (particularly Malaysia, Philippines and the Republic of Korea) on measures to reduce motor vehicle air pollution, including the promotion of mass transportation and the use of alternative fuels.
5.1.3 PEPAS should collaborate with Member States to promote awareness of the potential health impacts of regional issues stich liS stratospheric ozone depletion, climlltic change and natural disasters (e.g., volcanic eruptions). This awareness activity should emphasize measures to minimize aoverse health impacts, as well as encourage reductions in pollutant emissions which cause them.
5.2 Water quality management
5.2.1 PEPAS should undertake both regional and national group training activities on, the management ofgroundwater. TIle issues relating to groundwater use and pollution are very different in thevllrious Member States an1 thus require different approaches. - - -
5.2.2 To foster hetter water quality management, PEP AS sholdd collaborate with Member States in the followmg ways:
- to improve the capability to assess water quality;
- to stren,gthen quality assurance systems from sampling to data processmg; and ,
- to continue the development of guidelines/standards for ambient water quality on the basis of water use. '
5.2.3 PEP AS should promote demonstration projects in Member States for the prevention and clean-up of water pollutIOn. This would provide an opportunity for the development of in-country expertise.
Two such projects are:
- to identify, in cooperatiolJ with an international funding agency, an area to be used as a pilot project for the clean-up of water pollution;
- to collaborate with a Member State in developing a practical plan that can be applied to other coastal cities In the Region, for the inventory and identification of wastewaters for treatment and disposal by marine outfall.
RECOMMENDATION 6 : FOOD SAFElY PROGRAMMR (FOS)
6.1 PEPAS should continue to collaborate with countries and areas in the Region to develop the basic infrastructure to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate food safety programmes. In particular, PEI'AS should promote the development of surveillance programmes of foodhorne disease and intoxication in the Region and the collection of epidemiological data.
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PEPAS should enhance anal¥tical capabilities in the detection of food contaminants within the Region through the development of laboratory quality assurance programmes, training, and monitoring of food containJnation and total diet studies.
PEPAS should facilitate n programme of cooperative activity among Member States in the Regfon and international organizations aimed at assuring the safety of street foods.
2. OPENING OF TilE MEETING
The meeting was opened by Dr S.T. lIan, WIIO Regiunal Director for the Western Pacific. Dr Han said continuing assaults on the environment posed a serious and (lrowing threat to health and the quality of human life, and that there needs to be mnovation in WHO's approaches to environmental health. He urged the Advisory Committee memhers to suggest new ideas :trW formulate effective proposals wbich would be relevant to the environmental health needs of the Member States of the Region. ,
He said that theproposals made by the Committee would be very important to the Regional Office as an input for the 1994-1995 programme budget which will be finalized in early 1992. To facilitate such an input in the future, Dr Han suggested that future meetings should be scheduled earlier .
. The full text of Dr lIan's speech is given in Annex 1.
'Following Dr Han's speech, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Malaysia (UPM), Dr Mohd Khaljd delivered a welcome address. J Ie expressed appreciation for the presence of PEP AS'·on the campus and said: that UPM, particularly the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, had henefited from cooperative activities with PEPAS.
The meeting then proceeded with a self-introduttion of all those present.
This was followed by nominations of officers, namely, Mr D. Gonzalez as Chairman, Dr Y. Magara as Vice-Chairman and Mr J. Fletcher as Rapporteur.
. A list of the Advisory Committee members and Secretariat staff is given in Annex 2. The agenda of the meeting is given in Annex 3.
3. PRESENTATIONS ON THE GLOBAL AND REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMME
The Chairman, Mr D. Gonzalez, ore ned the first working session of the meeting by illustrating the importance 0 the interaction between environment and health. The first presentation "Global environmental health programme" was given by Mr S. Tamplin, Regional Adviser in Environmental Health, WHO Western Pacific Region, on behalf of Mr G. Ozolins, Manager, Prevention of Environmental Pollution, Division of Environmentall-lealth, WHO Headquarters, who was unable to attend the meeting. .
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The presentation reviewed recent world developments in environment and health, starting with the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (the Brundtfand Commission). TIle meeting was informed of the endorsement by the 42nd World Health Assembly, held in 1989, for WHO to convene a high level technical expert commission to prepare an input to the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. The presentation covered the expanded role of health promotion in environmental health; the need to create supportive environments; and the requirement to advocate the importance of health protection and promotion in the dynamics of environmental management and development activities. The presentation also highlighted the key global strategy approaches.
The second presentation entitled "Overview oUhe regional environmental health programme" was presented jointly by Dr Liu Xirong, Director, Drug Policy, Environmental Health and Health Technology and Mr S. Tamplin. Dr Lm Xirong outlined the current operatin~ structure of the environmental health programme within the Western PacifIC Regional Office (WPRO). Dr Liu asked for more and improved regional cooperation. Mr Tamplin complemented Dr Lill's presentrttiol1 by providing details on the regional programme, including the budget and staffing. Mr Tamplin recommended that erfQrt,s should be made to increase the extrabudgetary support for this programme. It was suggested that the manner in which the budget is spent (Le., the priority or activities) and the split between inter·country and country activities needs to be'considered; and the role of PEPAS in strengthenin~ inter-country activities should be fully discussed. He briefly outlined recent envIronmental health activities implemented in the Region, inCluding the WHO Consultative Group Meeting on Health and Environment held in Manila in November 1991, and emphasized that an important issue lIefore the Advisory Committee was to suggest ways to improve the effectiveness of the environmental health programme. '
4. PRESENTATION OF THE REI'ORT ON p,ErAS ACTIVITIES
Dr Paul Guo, Director, pnPAS presented the "Report on the work of PEPAS: July 1989 to June 1991". The report is given in Annex 4. He gave a thorough overview of the major activities in which PEPAS has been involved during the last two years. St:ttlslics were provided on the various activities implemented in the five environmental he:tlth progmmme areas, n:tmely, community water supply and sanitation (CWS), environmental health in rural and urban development :tnd housing (RUD). rrogramme on chemical safety (PCS), control of environmental health Imzards (CEB), and food surely (FOS). He briefed the meeting on the activities t:tken by PEPAS to implement the recommendations made:tt the fifth meeting of the Committee held in 1989. He cited problems and constraints on the part of WHO :tlld the ~overnments in implementin~ the environmenlal health programme. These lI1c1uded nonimplementahon of recommend:ttions of PEPAS technical :tssignments; unsuitahle people attending group educational activities; under·funding of applied studIes; poor implementation and enforcement of national programmes; lack of political will; insufficient human and financial resources of the governments; inadequate institulional framework; and poor intersectoral cooperation.
lIe concluded his presentation by discussing future prospects for PEPAS work including: the priority issues from the WHO Consultative Group Meeting; tmnshoundary movement of wastes; health imp:tcts of ozone depletion and
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climatic change; environmental health quality indicators; fellowship programme; and personnel training.
Dr Han then offered his comments to the Committee. He identified the importance of PEP AS in enhancing regular information exchange and promoting appropriate technology for environmental health in the Region. He called on the Committee members to critically evaluate the activities of PEPAS and noted the need for a reorientation of thinking if sustainable development for health is to be achieved. Dr Han also described the PEP AS acronym as being difficult to understand and recalL Finally, Dr Han requested that the recommendations of the Advisory Committee be clear, well defined and implementable. The recommendations should concentrate on activities for the 1993, 1994 and 1995 calendar years.
S. REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES IN COMMUNIlY WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION (CWS)
Mr B.Fisher, PEPAS Sanitary Engineer, provided a presentation on "Past and Future PEPAS Activities in Community Water Supply and Sanitation". The presentation commenced with an overview of the progress and problems facing countries in the Region. The high priority constraints identified were operational and maintenance requirements, and inadequately trained staff.
An overview of the projects in the sector to which PEP AS was already committed was given.
Finally, Mr Fisher presented and discussed progress with regard to the 1989 Advisory Committee recommendations. Discussion of the presentation was limited to a few points of clarification, and approaches to increase WHO representation in Cambodia, the Lao People's Democtatic Republic, Viet Nam and the Pacific island countries where the need is the greatest.
6. REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN RURAL AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING (RUD)
. Dr H. Ogawa, PEPAS Environmental Systems Engineer, presented the programme on environmental health in rural and urban development and housing. The major areas of activities within this programme include the improvement of environmental health in urban areas; solid waste management; and, environmental planning and impact assessment.
In each of these broad subject areas, Dr Ogawa discussed the activities undertaken' in the past biennium and future PEPAS commitments. Particular mention was made of the regional project on Healthy Urban Environments (HUE) and the PEPAS involvement in providing technical support to that project. He also reviewed activities with regard to the 1989 Advisory Committee recommendations. A discussion on the presentation, including the role of PEPAS in community participation and public education, followed.
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7. REVIEW"OF ACTIVITIES IN THE PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFE1Y (PCS)
Dr H. Ogawa presented this topic which covers two major areas: chemical safety and hazardous waste management. The main ongoing activity is the UNDP-funded, WHO-executed project on the safety and control of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes. Dr Ogawa briefed the Committee on a number of future activities which were already committed, namely:
completion of the UNDP /WHO project;
work on the effective management of chemical safety information;
hazardous waste management in Pacific island countries;
priority work on law enforcement, assessment, and worker safety, and on the use of appropriate technologies.
Dr Ogawa noted that priority should be given in the·future to the development of emergency response plans and the control of the dumping of hazardous wastes.
The Committee briefly discussed the subjects raised by Dr Ogawa.
8. REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES IN THE CONTROL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS (CEH)
This programme area covers air quality management and noise abatement, and water quality management.
Air quality management and noise abatement
Mr K. Rolfe, PEPAS Air Quality Management Adviser, began with an overview of air quality problems in the Region. He especially mentioned that some of the Member States have rapidly expanding economies, which has resulted in deteriorating air quality. He said this was particularly evident in urban areas, with increased traffic flow and congestion. He added that industrial development and increased fossil fuel combustion have also adversely affected air quality. He referred to specific air quality issues in the Region which include relatively high levels of sulphur in liquid fuels; fluoride emissions from coal combustion (China); and motor vehicle air pollution in urban areas.
Mr Rolfe reviewed the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the 1989 Advisory Committee Meetin~. Particular mention was made of five substantive PEP AS technical advisory assIgnments and two PEPAS applied studies to develop appropriate technologies.
He also informed the Committee of the planned activities of PEP AS on air quality management and noise abatement. The need for strongly proactive and preventive air pollution control measures was stressed. A group discussion followed, during which members of the Committee raised some questions and suggested some priority areas in air quality management.
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Water quality manaeement
This presentation was given br Mr T. Dafoe, PEPAS Water Quality Management Adviser. He first reviewed progress with regard to the 1989 Advisory Committee recommendations. He noted that the absence of an appointee to the Water Quality Management Adviser position during the review period had greatly inhibited work in the area.
He briefed the Committee on the planned activities of PEP AS, particularly on the promotion of basin-wide management approaches; marine outfall technology; appropriate technology for wastewater treatment for small industries; management of nightsoil; implementation of Phase 2 of the Global Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS)/water projec;t; and develol?ment of a WHO strategy for the implementation of water quality management prmciples.
Discussion of Mr Dafoe's presentation covered several issues including: improved groundwater management and quality control; the importance of nonpomt sources of pollution; developing water quality standards; and basin-wide water quality management.
9. REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES IN FOOD SAFETY (FOS)
Deliberation on the food safety (FOS) programme was led by Mr A. Hazzard, Acting Food Safety Adviser, PEPAS. He began hiS presentation by giving an overview of the food safety programme of countries in the Region, and of PEP AS food safety activities.
Mr Hazzard then discussed the progress with regard to the . recommendations of the 1989 meeting of the Committee. He identified the priority areas for future activities, including increasing' awareness of both the health and economic consequences of unsafe and poor quality food; effective health promotion activities on food safety; imprOVing the training of food quality control officers; developing epidemiolo~ capacity in the Region; increasing food analysis capability; food safety informatIon services; food safety legislation; and promoting appropriate technology.
There was a general discussion of the points raised.
10. PRESENTATION ON THE ORGANIZATION OF PEPAS AND ITS WORK IN RELATION TO THE OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
PROGRAMME OF THE WHO WESTERN PACIFIC REGION
This presentation was given by Dr P. Guo. He briefed the Committee on the historical background leading to the establishment of PEP AS and on the objectives and functions of the Centre. He elaborated on the approaches through which PEP AS cooperates with Member States and with the Regional Office to implement the environmental health programme.
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n. PRESENTATION ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
Mr S. Tamplin presented the conclusions of the Consultative Group on Health and Environment held in Manila on 26 - 29 November 1991. The essence of the Consultative Group's message was that althouj;h the traditional rul ~ pro~ramme-by-programme approach has had a positive impact, it would not be sufficient nor the most effective way of addressing environmental health problems in the future. The Consultative Group suggested an approach whereby greater emphasis would be given to implementation strategies so as to make better use of technical advice, scientific data and professional expertise. Such an approach will require: a stronger advocacy role for WHO; more active collaboration with other UN and internatIOnal agencies, particularly in seeking extrabudgetary support; better prioritizing oftechnical cooperative activities based on the needs of the country; improved operational linkage between programmes, between countries and regions and hetween agencies; and better assessment of the effectiveness and sustainability of projects.
Usin~ this approach, the Consultative Group su~es!ed that special consideratIon be given to implement the following projects: measures to reduce lead exposure; control of urban air pollution (using Manila and other cities as projects); control offossil fuel utilization; evaluation of economic instruments to manage environmental health impacts; control of indoor air pollution; development or updating of food safety standards; and hazardous waste management.
TIle Committee sU/l&ested that resources be allocated strictly according to the priorities of the RegIOn, amI that projects be carefully designed and their effectiveness assessed.
12. PRESENTATION ON PRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE WHO WESTERN PACIFIC REGION
Dr H. Ogawa and Mr K. Rolfe gave ajoint presentation on three pressing environmental health issues facing the Region; namely:
- transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous wastes;
- interco~nt'Y environmental health impacts of atmospheric contammatIon;
- deterioration of urban environments.
Dr Ogawa elaborated on the first item, giving an overview of international and regional·activities to control transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous waste. He also discussed the need for an effective mechanism for international control.
Mr Rolfe then presented the second item, intercountry environmental health impacts of atmospheric contamination. Three issues were covered, namely, stratospheric ozone depletion; climatic change; and extensive increases in particulate matter.
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His presentation summarized the predicted effects of these air pollution Issues and then detailed the likely health impacts. Increases in atmospheric contaminants as a result of human activities or natural phenomena can adversely affect human health and well-being. Mr Rolfe stressed that all three issues are examples of the side effects of development on health. Althoulili the prime responsibility for preventing them may lie with others, WHO dearly has an interest in working for their reduction and in educating agencies, governments and the public about their health significance. He said that the potential effects of extensive atmospheric contamination are highly complex, and vary from region to region.
The third item on the deterioration of urban environments was presented by Dr Ogawa. He first showed that urban population growth rates are high in the Region (averaging around 3% p.a.) and are predicted to remain that way. He explained that the major public health problems included inadequate housing; poor disposal of solid waste and sewage; improper mana~ement of industrial waste and exposure to chemicals; insufficient transportatIOn and energy supply; and inefficient surface water drainage.
Dr Ogawa saw PEPAS as having a key role in providing technical support for the development and implementation of the Healthy Urban Environment pro~ect. Dr Ogawa suggested the following measures be taken to initiate the project: .
- establishment of a co-ordinator in WPRO;
establishment of a technical advisory group;
- selection of a focal agency in each country;
- selection of cities and towns in each participating country.
On completion of the presentation on pressing environmental health issues, Mr Tamplin provided a perspective on the grouping of issues based upon the type of pollutants, geography, programme area, and sources of pollutants.
The Committee continued debate on the priority issues presented. Matters raised included:
- the major concern posed by hazardous waste disposal in the Region from the viewpoint of transboundary movement and the lack of disposal facilities in countries;
- the need for better co-ordination between international agencies and identification of lead agencies at both the global and country levels;
- the multisectoral nature of environmental health issues which requires WHO to develop its advocacy and marketing role to ensure that health is seen as a key issue in making decisions on environment and development;
- the need of health agencies to be involved in the decision making process with regard to environmental issues so that health a~encies are seen as equal partners in dealing with development and enVIronment.
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13. DISCUSSIONS ON PRIORITIES AND IMPORTANT ISSUES IN THE VARIOUS PROGRAMME AREAS
To assist the Committee in their deliberations and formulation of recommendations, PEPAS staff highlighted priority issues in the various programme areas.
Community water supply and sanitation
Mr Fisher spoke on the following priority issues:
difficulties in obtaining funds for the provision of hardware in the less developed countries;
information exchange;
the role of applied studies;
advantages and disadvantages of regional workshops;
drinking water quality monitoring programmes; and
recommendations of the 1990 Working Group on Water Supply Management.
The Committee discussed the problems in obtaining funding for water supply and sanitation projects. It was suggested that WHO, and PEPAS in particular, could help governments determine priorities on public health grounds across all sectors and then propose the high pnority projects to funding agencies.
In some cases, the demand for water from industry and agriculture sectors meant that careful water allocation plans were required if all water demands . were to be met. It was suggested that priority for PEPAS collaboration in drinking water projects be focused on those countries with lower rates of water coverage. These countries comprised Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Viet Nam and some of the Pacific island countries.
Environmental health in rural and urban development and housin~ (RUD)
Dr Ogawa spoke on the following priority areas in RUD:
- provision of PEPAS technical support to implement the Healthy Urban Environment (HUE) project;
- low-cost housing and associated health aspects;
- hospital/clinical waste management;
national and city level planning for municipal solid waste management;
- collaborative activities in environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental planning, particularly in Viet Nam and the Pacific island countries;
group educational activities on EIA and particularly health impact assessment and risk management;
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- community/public awareness and involvement.
After Dr Ogawa's presentation, the following issues were discussed:
- the tendency of EIA to focus on the environment and not on environmental health;
- the importance of careful planning in the development of low-cost housing;
- the need for the programme to include rural development;
- healthy building design;
- the need to include environmental health considerations in urban planning;
- the role of risk assessment and risk management in optimizing solutions;
- a proposal for PEP AS to undertake a special activity related to assessing commercial equipment available for the destruction of used needles and syringes. This specific proposal was made because of the concern that the use of contaminated needles was a cause of the spread of Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV); and
- a proposal for a series of demonstration projects in the effective management of solid wastes to be developed by PEP AS. This was viewed as being critically important because solid waste management is a lon~-term problem of concern to all countries in the Region. These projects were seen as an area in which collaborative approach could be developed with other agencies.
Programme on chemical safety (PCS)
Dr Ogawa presented his views on the priority issues within the PCS area. Items covered included:
- hazardous wastes management - transboundary movement
safe handling and disposal within countries adequate legislative provisions
- UNDP/WHO project completion of proposed activities follow-up on proposals prepared under the project
- training in the dissemination of information on health impacts/risks from toxic chemicals
community/local level health worker training information dissemination to end users.
Following Dr Ogawa's presentation, the Committee discussed the following matters:
- a practical way of evaluating how well countries are managing hazardous wastes. It was suggested that the environmental health indicators to be developed include those relevant to hazardous waste management;
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- an advocacy role for PEPAS in promoting the Basel and the London Dumping Conventions. The foclls of technical input will be on safe handling of wastes and on developing a satisfactory legislative framework;
- the control of hazardous waste disposal from small industries;
- a suggestion that PEP AS should convene a meeting of senior officials, in the light of UNCED, to consider what strategic interventions should be made in environmental health within the Region. This meeting should be followed by a Ministerial-level meeting one year later; and
- the development of environmental health indicators which should be closely linked to health risk assessment criteria.
Control of environmental health hazards
Air quality management
The Air Quality Management overview was presented by Mr K. Rolfe. His outline covered:
- fossil fuel combustion sulphur content of liquid fuels ash and fluoride content of coal lead content of gasoline
- motor vehicle air pollutants in urban areas carbon monoxide oxides of nitrogen )_ photochemical smog hydrocarbons ) lead
- proactive air pollution control of industrial processes - prior approval before construction
close attention to engineering design licences/permits to operate
control of environmental noise
It was suggested that there was scope for a regional workshop on integrated pollution control. This could cover the use of economic instruments, among other matters.
The Committee noted that because of the price sensitivity in demand for petroleum and the present availability of various alternative products, such as natural gas, now is an appropriate time to push for the promotion of unleaded petrol and alternative fuels. There was also some discussion on the use of economic instruments for reducing motor vehicle emissions (taxes on leaded fuel, area pricing schemes and the promotion of public transport).
In answer to a question on indoor air quality, Mr Rolfe cautioned that there should be no duplication of work done by others. He pointed out, however, that it would be relevant to work on cleaner fuels and improved stoves for cooking in view of the fact that indoor ventilation and cooking practices had a bearing on health, particularly on respiratory diseases in women.
The Committee felt that PEPAS has a role in advising Member States on the environmental health implications of transboundary movements of air
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pollutants, particularly those resulting from natural disasters, e.g., volcanic eruptions and bushfires. .
Water quality manaiement
Mr T. Dafoe suggested the following priorities in water quality management:
- regional/sub-regional workshops on groundwater management with a focus on its use as drinking water; •
- selection of a sub-basin to develop and implement a pollution clean-up plan;
- collaboration in marine outfall feasibility studies in coastal cities of the Region;
- collaboration in the development of water quality guidelines for multiple uses;
- expansion of the GEMS Water project in the Region and emphasis on the quality assurance aspects of water quality monitoring; and
- promotion of a systematic and integrated approach to basin-wide water quality management.
Following Mr Dafoe's presentation, the Committee briefly discussed the proposed actiVIties and agreed to their implementation.
Food safety
The overview of food safety work was presented by Mr A. Hazzard. He suggested the following issues and approaches for consideration and discussion by the Committee:
- integration of activities with other international organizations;
- the need to take a sub-regional approach to activities;
greater exchange of information;
- priority areas, including - quality assurance of street foods - food safety legislation in Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic
Republic, Viet Nam and selected countries in the Pacific Basin strengthened ability to critically monitor and evaluate food safety programmes monitoring and control of chemical contamination and pesticides in particular establishment of an epidemiological database for use in programme planning enhancement of analytical capabilities through co-ordinated quality assurance programmes improved awareness of the extent, and health and economic consequences, of foodborne diseases at all levels.
The Committee noted the issues raised and a discussion followed.
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Dr Chen lunshi mentioned that the under-reporting of foodborne disease is a serious problem and that PEPAS should undertake an applied study of food borne disease in a selected community as a model project. He further suggested that PEPAS should cooperate with agencies participating in the GEMS food contamination monitoring programme with respect to the 9uality assurance of analytical results, and that PEP AS should promote the extensIon of the total diet survey undertaken in China to other countries in the Region.
Mr F. Ca~tro examined the priority of information exchan~e by highlighting the need for a good two-way floW of information. The informatton flow needs to be designed and evaluated carefully and to evolve to meet the requirements of users.
14. DISCUSSIONS ON AN INTEGRA.TED PROGRAMME ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Mr Dafoe led discussions on an Integrated Programme in Environmental Health. It was pointed out that environmental healtn improvements can only be achieved by a holistic approach. Environmental health spans the responsibilities of many government departments, and the support and commitment of politicians and policy- and decision-makers are required.
With the goal of better implementing the environmental health programme in the Region, Mr Dafoe suggested the following actions:
- to develop an integrated plan/strategy for improved environmental health in the Region;
- to identify infrastructure requirements (physical and institutional) for improved environmental health; .
- to conduct seminars/workshops on integrated environmental health for decision/policy makers and politicians in health and related ministries;
- to continue to conduct workshops and training sessions for the managers and technical staff in the health and related ministries; and
- to use a consultant team apyroach (PEPAS and others) to further integrate implementation 0 the environmental health programme when addressing issues in the Member States.
The Committee discussed these issues and the main points that emerged were as follows:
- Integration was seen as an important goal to which PEPAS should give priority;
- An implementation plan for improved environmental health in the Re~ion should be developed. This implementation plan may need to be diVIded into sub-regional sectors;
- The integrated plan will need to provide for the inputs from other multinational agencies and Member countries. WHO should playa key coordinating role; -
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- Better use should be made of Collaborating Centres; and
- WHO should search for, and if necessary, create opportunities for addressing Environment or Health Mintsters in the Region on environmental health matters.
15. DISCUSSIONS ON A NAME CHANGE FOR PEPAS
Dr P. Guo gave a short briefing on the name of PEPAS and on the proposal for a change of name to correctly reflect the work and functions of the Centre. The following names were suggested:
EHC
CEHP
CPEH
TEHC
Environmental Health Centre
Centre for Environmental Health Programme
Centre for the Promotion of Environmental Health
Technical Environmental Health Centre;
It was agreed to recommend to the Regional Committee that the name of PEP AS be changed and that the preference of the Committee was clearly for:
WHO Western Pacific Regional Environmental Health Centre (EHC).
16. FORMULATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the various presentations and discussions, a series of recommendations were drafted and these were extensively discussed by the Committee. Finally, 26 recommendations, as presented in Section 1, were formulated.
17. PRESENTATION OF THE REPORT AND CLOSING
The Chairman of the meeting, Mr Gonzalez, presented a copy of the draft report to Dr Liu Xirong. In calling on Dr Liu to formally close the meeting, Mr Gonzalez thanked the Secretariat for their help and support to the meeting.
In c10sintl the meeting, Dr Liu thanked the Committee members for their valuable contnbutions and expressed his appreciation for the assistance rendered by the secretariat. He also bade farewell to Mr Castro, Mr Gonzalez, Dr Varughese, and Dr Magara whose terms on the Committee ended with this meeting.
Dr Guo then extended his appreciation to the Committee members for their deliberations and contributions to the success of the meeting.
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ANNEX 1
OPENING ADDRESS OF DR S.T. HAN, REGIONAL DIREctOR, WHO REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC
Dr Mohd Khalid Mohd Nor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Agriculture University of Malaysia (Universiti Pertanian Malaysia)
Distinguished members of the Advisory Committee; Ladies and gentlemen:
It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you to this Sixth Meeting of the PEP AS Advisory Committee.
In particular, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our-three new members: Dr Chen Junshi of China, Dr Jones Varughese of Malaysia and Mr Jonathan Fletcher of New Zealand, also to Mr Fred Castro of Guam who was unable to attend our last meeting in 1989. I look forward to hearing your innovative suggestions and ideas about how to work more effectively towards a healthy environment and sound economic development.
Since the last meeting of the Advisory Committee in 1989, we have witnessed growing public awareness of the global environmental crisis. The continuing assaults on the environment present a serious and growing threat to health and the quality of human life, as well as prospects for future development. The continuing erosion of both natural and human resources highli~hts the need for integrating a sustainable development dimension into our techmcal cooperation activities with Member States. We have to impress upon our -Member States the urgent need to combat further deterioration wbich, if uncontrolled, will pose a threat not only to health, but also to the very existence of mankind. Far-reaching poli9' changes at the national level will have to be made and supported by intensified international cooperation, particularly among external support agencies. The use of natural resources in sustainable ways needs to become a matter of routine, and the discharge of waste materials into the environment has got to be minimized. To bring about this urgently needed change, new direction must be given to technological developments.
WHO's policies and strategies have always emphasized that health considerations should be part of national development planning and decision making. In 1990, the Director-General of WHO established a high-level Commission on Health and Environment to assess the consequences for human health of present and future environmental factors arising from socioeconomic development. The findings and recommendations of the Commission will form the basis for WHO's contribution to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Brazil next year.
. In the Western Pacific Region, I convened a Regional Consultative Group on Health and Environment last month. That group has clarified some important new environmental issues, assessed the current WHO aPI?Toaches to environmental health, and recommended some strategic Interventions. Among the problems they saw as needing priority action are lead pollution, urban air pollution, pollution due to coal combustion, food contamination, indoor air pollution, hazardous wastes and marine pollution. I trust that this Advisory Committee will be able to build on these recommendations as it considers the
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work of PEP AS. Clearly, we need to move beyond simply doing more of what we have done in the past.
Rapid change in Asia and the rest of the world calls for innovation in our approaches to environmental health, and your efforts during this meeting should lead to revitalization and more effective implementation of the programme activities of PEP AS. To assist you in formulatin~ recommendations, a report on the activities of PEP AS since the last review penod and on proposed future activities has been prepared. I am confident that with your wide experience and diverse backgrounds, you will be able to give us refreshing ideas and formulate effective proposals which will be relevant to the needs of the Member States of this Region. Your input will be particularly relevant to our final deliberations early next year on the 1994-1995 intercountry programme budget. Historically, the recommendations of the PEP AS Advisory Committee have had less immediate iml?act as the intercountry programme budget has usually been finalized by thIs time. To hell? overcome this in the future, I would like to schedule the Advisory CommIttee meeting earlier in the year to ensure that your views are reflected in a more timely fashion in our budget and programming process.
In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunitr.to express my appreciation for the generosity of our hosts, the Universlti Pertanian Malaysia for the provision of the excellent office building to house PEP AS, and the Ministry of Health for its contribution to the operating costs of the Centre.
I hereby declare this meeting open and wish you every success in your deliberations.
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ANNEX 2
LIST OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND SECRETARIAT STAFF
Members Desi~nation and address
Dr Chen Junshi Deputy Director Institute of Nutrition and Food Hygiene Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine 29 Nan Wei Road Beijin~ 100050 People's Republic of China
Mr Fred M. Castro Administrator Guam Environmental Protection Agency IT & E, Harmon Plaza C0'1flex Unit D-107 130 ojas Street ~. Harmon Guam 96911
Dr Yasumoto Magara Director Department of Sanitary En~ineering The Institute of Public Hea th 6-1, Shirokanedai 4-Chome, Minato-ku Tokyo 108 Japan
Dr Jones Varughese Director of Health Services Ministry of Health 2nd Floor, Block E Government Offices Complex Bukit Damansara 50490 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Mr Jonathan Christopher Unit Manager Fletcher Environmental Health Policy Group
Department of Health P.O. Box 5013 Wellin~ton New Zealand
Mr Delfin Rafael Chief Gonzalez Environmental Sanitation Division
Environmental Health Service Department of Health San Lazaro Compound Sta. Cruz Manila Philippines
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Secretariat
7. Dr Liu Xirong Director Drug Policy, Environmental Health and Health Technology
WHO Western Pacific Region
8. Mr Stephen Tamplin Regional Adviser in Environmental Health
WHO Western Pacific Region
9. Mr G. Ozolins' Manager Prevention of Environmental
Pollution Division of Environmental
Health WHO Headquarters
10. Dr Paul Guo Director -PEPAS
11. Mr Bruce Fisher SanitasY Engineer PEPA
12. Dr Hisashi Ogawa Environmental Systems Engineer, PEPAS
13. Mr Thomas Dafoe Water Quality Management Adviser, PEPAS
14. Mr Kevin Rolfe Air Quality Management Adviser, -PEPAS
15. Mr Anthony Hazzard Acting Food Safety Adviser PEPAS
16. Ms Chan Lai Yee Administrative Officer PEPAS
17. Ms Tan Yit May S~cial A~sistant P PAS
'Unable to attend
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Monday. 9 December 1991
0900-0930
0930-0950
0950-1000
1000-1020
1020 - 1040
1040-1100
1100-1130
113(}'1400
1400-1420
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AGENDA
Opening session
Introductory remarks by Dr P. Guo, Director, PEP AS
Opening address by Dr S.T. Han, Regional Director for the WHO Western Pacific Region
ANNEX 3
Welcome address by Dr Mohd Khalid Mohd Nor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (University of Agriculture, Malaysia)
Self-introduction of the Advisory Committee members and WHO staff
Nomination of officers
Group photograph
Refreshments
Remarks by Chairman of the Advisory Committee
Global environmental health programme by Mr G. Ozolins, Manager, Prevention of
Environmental Pollution, Division of Environmental Health, WHO Headquarters
Overview of the regional environmental health programme by Dr Liu Xirong, Director, Drug Policy,
Environmental Health and Health Technology, and Mr S. Tamplin, Regional Adviser in Environmental Health, WHO Western Pacific Region
Presentation of PEP AS report by Dr Paul Guo, Director, PEP AS
Discussions
Lunch
Presentation of past and future PEP AS activities· in the I?rogramme on community water supply and sanitation (CWS) by Mr B. Fisher, Sanitary Engineer, PEPAS
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Mondoy.9 Decem.l!r:cl221 (contd.)
1420-1430
1430-1450
1450-1500
1500-1520
1520-1540
1540-1550
1550-1610
1610-1620
Tuesday. JO December 1991
0900-0920
0920-0930
0930-0950
0950-1000
1000-1020
Discussions
Presentation of past and future PEP AS activities ill the programme on environmental health in rural and urban development and housing (RUD) by Dr H. Ogawa, Environmental Systems
Engineer, PEPAS
Discussions
I~efreshments
Presentation of past and future PEP AS activities in t\"le programme on control of environmental health hazards (CHI):
- Air quality management - . by Mr K. Rolfe, Air Quality Management
Adviser, PEP AS .
Discussions
Presentation of past and future PEPAS activities in the programme on control of environmental health hazards (CEH):
- Water quality management by Mr T. Dafoe, Water Quality Management
Adviser, PEPAS .
Discussions
Presentation of past and future PEP AS activities in the programme on chemical safety (PCS) hy Dr H. Ogawa, Environmental Systems
Engineer, PEPAS
Discussions
Presentation of past and future PEP AS activities in the programme on food safety (FOS) by Mr A. Hazzard, Acting Food Safety Adviser,
PEPAS
Discllssions
Refreshments
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Tuesday. 10 December 1991 (contd.)
1020-1040
1040-1120
1120-1200
1200-1400
1400-1500
1500-1520
1520-1620
Discussions on the organization of PEP AS and its work in relation to the overall environmental health programme of the WHO Western Pacific Region by Dr P. Guo. Director, PEPAS
Presentation of the recommendations of the Consultative Group on Health and Environment, Manila, Philippines, 26 - 29 November 1991 by Mr S. Tamplin. Regional Adviser in
Environmental Health, WHO Western Pacific Region
Discussions on the recommendations of the Consultative Group and the role of PEPAS in Implementing the recommendations
Lunch •
Discussions on the recommendations of the Consultative Group and the role of PEP AS in implementing the recommendations (contd.)
Refreshments
Preparation of action plans for implementation of the recommendations of the Consultative Group .
Wednesday. 11 December 1991
0900-1000
1000-1020
1020-1200
1200-1400
1400-1500
1500-1520
1520-1540
Presentation on pressing environmental health issues in the WHO Western Pacific Region by Dr H. Ogawa, Environmental Systems
Engineer, PEPAS and Mr K. Rolfe, Air Quality Management Adviser, PEPAS
Refreshments
Discussions on pressing environmental health issues and the role of PEP AS in addressing these issues (contd.)
Lunch
Discussions on pressing environmental health issues and the role of PEP AS in addressing these issues (contd.)
Refreshments
Discussions on P8PAS programme on community water supply and sanitation (CWS)
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Wednesday. 11 December 1991 (contd.)
1540-1610 Formulation of recommendations and action plans for PEPAS programme on CWS
Thursday. 12 December 1991
0900-0920
0920-0950
0950-1010
1010-1030
1030-1100
1100-1120
1120-1200
1200-1400
1400-1420
1420-1450·
1450-1510
1510-1530
1530-1600
1600-1620
1620-1650
Discussions on PEP AS programme on environmental health in rural and urban development and housing programme (RUD)
Formulation of recommendations and action plans for PEPAS programme on RUD
Discussions on PEP AS programme on chemical safety (PCS)
Refreshments
Formulation of recommendations and action plans for PEPAS programme on PCS
Discussions on PEP AS programme on control of environmental health hazards (CEH) - air quality management
Formulation of recommendations and action plans for PEP AS programme on CEH - air quality management
Lunch
Discussions on PEPAS programme on control of environmental health hazards (CEH) - water quality management
Formulation of recommendations and action plans for PEP AS programme on CEH - water quality management
Discussions on PEP AS programme on food safety (FOS)
Refreshments
Formulation of recommendations and action plans for PEP AS programme on FOS
Discussions on ways to integrate PEPAS programme activities to better respond to regional issues
Formulation of recommendations and action plans for the integration of PEP AS programme activities to better respond to regional tssues and refinement of specific programme recommendations and action plans to reflect discussions
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Friday. 13 December 1991
0900-1020
1020-1040
1040-1200
1200-1400
1400-1410
1410-1430
1430
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Finalization of recommendations and action plans for PEPAS
Refreshments
Finalization of recommendations and action plans for PEPAS (contd.)
Lunch
Presentation of report by Chairman
Closing session: - Closing remarks by Chairman - Closing remarks by Dr Liu Xirong, Director,
Drug Policy, Environmental Health and Health Technology, WHO Western.Pacific Region
Refreshments
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ANNEX 4
13 September 1991
REPORT ON THE WORK OF PEPAS
(July 1989 - June 1991)
PREPARED FOR THE SIXTH MEETING OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
9-13 December 1991
. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONAL CENTRE FOR THE THE
PROMOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING
AND APPLIED STUDIES
(PEPAS)
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FORF:WORD
This report which covers the period from July 1989 to June 1991 provides a detailed review of the activities and achievements of the WHO Western Pacific Rcgional Centre for the Promotion of Environmental Planning and Applied Studies (PEPAS) since the fifth meeting of the Advisory Committee held on 3-5 October 1989. It also presents as overview of future prospects of the Centre with respect to currently perceived needs within various fields of environmental health.
The background, definitions, objectives, functions and role of PEP AS in relation to WHO programmes in environmental health are detailed in the following reports and documents which are available in PEPAS:
"Report on the need for and feasibility of establishing a Western Pacific Regional Centre for the Promotion of Environmental Planning and Applied Studies (PEPAS)", WHO/WPRO, Doc. ICP/SES/OO3, 1977.
"Report on the First Meeting of the Advisory Committee, 25-27 March 1980". PEPAS, 28 March 1980.
"Report on the Second Meeting of the Advisory Committee, 6-10 June 1983", 13 June 1983.
"Report on the Third Meeting of the Advisory Committee, 24-28 September 1985", PEPAS, January 1986.
"Report on the Fourth Meeting of the Advisory Committee, 29 September-2 October 1987", PEPAS, February 1988.
"Report on the Fifth Meeting of the Advisory Committee, 3-5 October 1989", PEPAS, February 1990.
"Global Medium-Term Programme: Promotion of Environmental Health, Eighth General Programme of Work covering a Specific Period (1990-1995)", January 1988.
"Regional Medium-Term Prowamme, Pro~ramme No. 11.1, Community Water Supply and Sanitation", WPR/MTP/CWS/l, 14 January 1988.
"Regional Medium-Term Programme, Programme No.1 1.2, Environmental Health in Rural and Urban Development and Housing", WPR/MTP/RUD/l, 14 January 1988.
"Regional Medium-Term Programme, Programme No. 11.3, Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Chemicals", WPR/MTP /PCS/l, 14 January 1988.
"Re~ional Medium-Term Programme, Programme No. 11.4, Control of EnVIronmental Health Hazards", WPR/MTP /CEH/1, 14 January 1988.
"Regional Medium-Term Programme, Programme No.1 1.5, Food Safety", WPR/MTP/FOS/l, 14 January 1988.
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CONTENTS
1. HIGHLIGHTS ........................................................................................................... 33
1.1 'Overview of activities .................................................................................... 33 1.2 Information services ...................................................................................... 35 1.3 Environmentally sound and sustainable development ............................ 35 1.4 Healthy urban environment project... ......................................................... 36
2. WHO POLICY ON THE PROMOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEAL TH ............................................................................. 36
2.1 2.2
Global programme ........................................................................................ 36 WHO Western Pacific regional programme ............................................. 37
3. OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS OF PEPAS .................................................. 38
4. SITUA nON ANAL YSIS ......................................................................................... 39
4.1 4.2 4.3
4.4 4.5 4.6
Introduction .................................................................................................... 39 Community water supply and sanitation .................................................... 39 Environmental health in rural and urban development
and housing .............................................................................................. 42 Health risk assessment of potentially toxic chemicals ............................ .44 Control of environmental health hazards ................................................. .47 Food safety ...................................................................................................... 48
5. REVIEW OF PEPAS ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS ........................ 50
5.1 5.2
5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6
Community water supply and sanitation .................................................... 51 Environmental health in rural and urban development
. and housing ..................................................... : ........................................ 53 Health risk assessment of potentially toxic chemicals ............................. 55 Control of environmental health hazards .................................................. 56 Food safety ...................................................................................................... 59 Information service programme .................................................................. 61
6. FUTURE PROSPECTS ........................................................................................... 61
6.1 6.2
6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6
Community water supply and sanitation .................................................... 61 Environmental health in rural and urban development
and housing .............................................................................................. 62 Health risk assessment of potentially toxic chemicals ............................. 63 Control of environmental health hazards .................................................. 64 Food safety ...................................................................................................... 65 Information service programme .................................................................. 65
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7. ACflON ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF TIlE FIFTH MEETING OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ................................................................... 66
7.1 7.2 7.3
General recommendations ........................................................................... 66 Community water supply and sanitation .................................................... 67 Environmental health in rural and urban development
and housing .............................................................................................. 68 7.4 Control of environmental health hazards .................................................. 68 7.5 Food safety ...................................................................................................... 70
8. PROGRAMME SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT .................................................. 70
8.1 Physical facilities ............................................................................................ 70 8.2 Staffing ............................................................................................................. 70 8.3 Short-term consultants .................................................................................. 71 8.4 Regular budget ............................................................................................... 71 8.S Extra-budgetary support ............................................................................... 72 8.6 Other administrative matters .................................... h •••••• _ ••••••••••••••••••••••••• 73
APPENDICES:
APPENDIX 1 - LIST OF PEPAS ACTIVITIES .................................................. 75 (JULY 1989 - JUNE 1991)
APPENDIX 2 - PEPAS STAFF .............................................................................. 85
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1. HIGHLIGHTS
1.1 Overview of actiyi ties
Under the current WHO programme for the promotion of environmental health, there are five rrogramme areas: community water supply and sanitation (CWS), environmenta health in rural and urban development and housing (RUD), health risk assessment of potentially toxic chemicals (PCS), control of environmental health hazards (CEH), and food safety (FOS). During the two-year period under review, PEPAS implemented 83 collaborative activities in these five programme areas in 18 countries and areas of the Western Pacific Region. Twenty four of these activities were national group educational activities held in various Member States while the rest were technical advisory services. In addition, eight regional group educational activities were convened by PEP AS. Altogether, 1 117 officials from health and environmental protection agencies were trained at the national and regional group educational activities.
The following chart shows how the collaborative activities were split amongst the five programme areas:
CEH 26%
PCS 13%
FOS 22%
RUD 24%
CNS 15%
Compared to previous review periods, there has been a substantial increase in the number of activities in the RUD prollfamme area which consists of activities dealing with urban environmental health, solid waste management, housing sanitation and environmental planning(environmental impact assessment. This trend reflects increasing governmenta awareness of the need to improve urban health, particularly in developing countries where continued migration of people into urban areas has resulted in deterioration of the living environment.
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A breakdown of the field activities in terms of number and percentage among countries and areas in the Region is shown below:
Country/area Number of activities % of total
Brunei Darussalam 1 1.2
China 18 21.7
Cook Islands 1 1.2
Fiji 10 12.1
Kiribati 2 2.4
Lao PeoRle's Democratic Repub ic 3 3.6
Malaysia 14 17.0
Marshall Islands 2 .2.4
Micronesia 3 3.6
Palau 1 1.2
Papua New Guinea 4 4.8
Philippines 8 9.6
Singapore 1 1.2
Solomon Islands 4 4.8
Tonga 3 3.6
Tuvalu 1.2
Vanuatu 1.2
Viet Nam 6 7.2
Total 113 100.0
TIle table shows that the majority of collaborative activities was provided to China, Fiji, Malarsia, Philippines and Viet Nam; accounting for 67.6% of the total. These are countnes where the governments are placing greater emphasis on the control of environmental health problems associated with industrialization and urbanization.
From time to time, PEPAS was requested to urgently provide services to Member States to attend to environmental health matters. Examples of such cooperation were the provision of staff/consultants to the Federated States of Micronesia to advise on sanitation improvements following a cholera outbreak in Chuuk State, to China to
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advise the Municipality of Beijing on food safety in preparation for the Asian Games held in September 1990, and to Vanuatu to advise on relocation of a solid waste landfill site in view of the impending closure of the existing site. Prompt response was also. provided to Member States requesting urgent advisory services to review environmental health legislation in view of their impending submission for enactment. Examples of such cooperation were the review of the draft food safety legislation of Fiji and the Federated States' of Micronesia.
1.2 Information services
The role of the centre to disseminate information services on environmental health has become more and more widely known judging from the increasing number of requests. During the review period, 370 requests were attended to. Although most of the requests were from this Region, there were also quite a number from environmental health agencies from other Regions. Examples of information required were the recommended tolerance for benzene in beverages following a discovery that trace amounts had been found in some beverages in Hong Kong; guidance for assessing the safety of canned food donated to Western Samoa after a cyclone; allowable levels of food additives, in response to B request from th(' Governments of Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam respectively rellarding zinc concentration in soya milk and levels of benzoic acid as a preservative; and Information on the health impacts'and'management of various chemicals involved in an explosion and fire in Klong Toey Port area in Bangkok on 2 March 1991 whi!=h reportedly resulted in 30,000 people suffering from toxic effects.
To further publicize PEPAS activities in information services, a leaflet on Regional Information Service Programme (RISP) was published.
1.3 Environmentally sound and sustainable development
Sustainable development - the buzzword for economic growth which refrains from inflicting damage on the environment - is being advocated by various international agencies to ensure that all countries take into consideration environmental protection while implementing national develo/?ment programmes. With more and more developed countries intensifyine; their economic growth, a'nd with more developing , countrIes embarking on industnalization, it is essential that the business community and governments jointly map out strategies to ensure that development activities go hand in hand with environmental protection.
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) will be held in Brazil on 1-12 June 1992. In connection with this conference, WHO established, in early 1990, a Commission on Health and Environment. The Commission's report will constitute a major WHO contribution to the UNCED. The Regional Director of the Western Pacific Region is considering the establishment of a Regional Commission on Health and Environment. The Commission, if established, would review environmental health problems of special significance within the Region and would develop strategies for future cooperation with Member States.
In June 1990, a PEPAS staff member attended the first meeting of the WHO Commission on Health and Environment in Geneva. PEPAS was involved in two meetings on environmentally sound and sustainable development organized by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the United Nations Development Programme. In addition, PEPAS staff members attended two meetings on the same subject organized by UNDP. They are the Regional workshop on environmental management and sustainable development in the South Pacific, April 1990 in Suva, Fiji and the International conference on environment and sustainable development, December 1990 in Hanoi, Viet Nam.
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1.4 Healthy urban environment project
In 1990, PEPAS initiated a Healthy Urban Environment project (HUE). The project responds to health problems which occur in urban areas where population ~rowth and unplanned aed uncontrolled urbanization have severely overloaded urban mfrastructures and available services. There is a growing consensus amongst both politicians and health officials that the traditional medical and public health services cannot, by themselves, solve the problems. To achieve a healthy urban environment will require integrating environmental health planning into the planning and management processes of urban social and physical development. PEP AS' HUE project was, thus, undertaken as a way to strengthen WHO's advocacy and support for ensuring that protection and promotion of health become a part of the urban development process.
The HUE project started off with a working group on integration of environmental health into planning for urban development which met at PEPAS in February/March 1991. The group identified physical environment, life-styles, health care services and public policy, as the four main components of the project. Three common bases for WHO mitiatives in developing healthy urban environments were also identified, namely, (1) WHO's strong advocacy at the highest level in Government, (2) formation of a multidisciplinary technical advisory group to give technical guidance, and (3) a regional project to promote clean, healthy, environmentally sound and sustainable cities and towns, including a regional network of such cities and towns.
The ten recommendations made at the meeting will serve as principles to guide development and implementation of the HUE project.
2. WHO POLICY ON THE PROMOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
2.1 Global programme
Since its inception in 1947, WHO has been concerned with environmental factors and their effects on human health. The main objective of the WHO programme for the promotion of environmental health is to promote human health through the prevention and control of enviro.nm~!ltal conditions that adversely affect health.
WHO operates under a general programme of work which defines objectives and targets and the overall direction of work for a specific period, usually six years. The pro,gramme of work is drawn up based Gn an assessment of the need at global and regIOnal levels and an evaluation of previous programmes of work. In the Eighth General Programme of Work for the period 1990-1995, environmental health activities are classified into five basic programme areas as described in Section 2.2. During this period, the major thrusts are to continue advocating the provision of water supply and sanitation systems as essential components of primary health care; the incorporation of environmental health principles into development projects; the development and strengthening of infrastructures to monitor, assess and control chemical, physical and hiological hazards; and the promotion of international collaboration to control global environmental health problems such as acid rain, depletion of the ozone layer, global warming and transboundary pollution. .
-
-
-
At the Forty-Second World Health Assembly held in May 1989, WHO was requested to give prominence to the interdependence between health, development and the environment in WHO's programme and to support national health agencies in the _ formulation and implementation of national policies and strategies for sustainable and environmentally sound development. The recommendations in the report of the WHO
,E- j.. '.:"., ,:,~ _' ..
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 37-
Commission on Health and Environment (mentioned in Section 1.3) will guide WHO in its efforts to reorientate and strengthen the programme on the promotion of environmental health so that it can deal with the full range of health risks associated with the environment and development.
2.2 WHO Western Pacific regional programme
At the regional level, efforts are made to complement the activities of the global programme by building up national capabilities to identify and assess existing and potential environmental health hazards and to take the necessary precautionary or abatement measures. In response to requests from Member States in the Region, technical cooperation is provided in the development of institutions, policies, strategies and legislation, training of human resources, provision of information, and promotion of appropriate technology in solving environmental health problems.
The five basiclrogramme areas under the WHO programme on environmental health are presente below. Also listed are the broad subjects under each programme area.
a) Communi~y water supply and sanitation (CWS) Promotion of safe drinking water and adequate sanitation Expand coverage and update the quality of water supply and sanitation services in countries and areas of the Region Development of appropriate technology for water and wastewater treatment Coordination with other agencies and mobilization of extrabudgetary resources
b) Environmental health in rural and urban development and housing (RUD) - Improvement of environmental health in human settlements, including
housing sanitation Solid waste management . Envirohmental impact assessment/environmental health impact assessrrtent Environmental planning
c) Health risk assessment of potentially toxic chemicals (PCS) Assessment of environmental conditions regarding toxic and hazardous materials Development/upgrading of legislation on the production, transport, use and disposal of hazardous materials Development and strengthening of chemical safety management programmes Exchange of information and promotion of public awareness
d) Control of environmental health hazards (CEH) Air quality management Water quality management Noise abatement and control Environmental epidemiology
e) Food sarety (FOS) Development of national food safety programmes Development of food legislation and standards Strengthenin~ food contamination monitoring programmes Exchange of mformation and promotion of public awareness
In the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), overall administration of the regional environmental health programme is the responsibility of the Director of Drug Policy, Environmental Health and Health Technology Division (DET). Under DET, two Regional Advisers in environmental health are responsible for projects in various countries funded by the WHO country budget. PEPAS is a techmcal centre of
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WPRO and has an intercountry programme budget for implementation of environmental health activities which are not funded by the WHO country budget.
When requests are received from Member States for technical cooperation, a priority for each request is determined in relation to available financial and human resources and its relative importance. At the country level, WHO field staff play an important role in promoting national environmental health activities.
3. OBJECfIVES AND FUNCfIONS OF PEPAS
PEPAS was formally- established in January 1979 at the campus of the University of Agriculture, Malaysia (Universiti Pertanian Malaysia - UPM). As a technical and scientific centre of WPRO in the area of environmental health, PEP AS provides technical cooperation and information services and promotes applied studies when so requested by Member States. The Centre is currently staffed with engineers and scientists specializing in various disciplines of the environmental health programme; namely, community water supply and sanitation, air quality management, water quality management, chemical safety, food safety and environmental systems engineering.
The Objectives of the Centre as agreed upon by the Member States of the WHO Western PaCific Region and contained in the Regional Committee resolution WPR/RC 28.R 13 are as follows:
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
to promote and facilitate collaboration between environmental institutions and personnel of Member States within the Region; and
to support the development of, and strengthen national capability of Member States in environmental health.
The functions of PEPAS include:
provision of technical cooperation services to WHO Member States in the Region to develop competent natIOnal policies in environmental health;
technical cooperation with Member States in the Region to strengthen the capability of national environmental institutions;
collaboration with Member States in the Region in the development and implementation of education and training programmes for personnel engaged in environmental health activities;
service as a regional technical information and reference centre in environmental planning and engineering and human ecology;
cooperation with Member States in the Region in the monitoring, collection and processing of data/information for environmental planning purposes;
provision, in cooperation with Member States in the Region, of technical solutions to problems related to environmental health and the protection of natural resources against pollution; and
identification, promotion and demonstration of low-cost and appropriate technology.
-
-
-
-
...
-
-
-
-
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The Centre is engaged in activities at three levels: global, regional and national. At the global level, it is responsible for the coordination of programmes such as the Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) projects on air, water and food quality, the Human Exposure Assessment Locations (HEAL) project and the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). Its rt;gional activities include the organization of regional group educational activities on topics of common interest to Member States and the implementation of applied studies, Ihe results of which could be used by various countries to improve environmental health. Its support to country projects is provided through the assignment of staff members and consultants in specialized areas of expertise and through collaboration in national group educational activities.
4. SITUATION ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction
The Western Pacific Region comprises 35 countries and areas which vary significantly with respect to size, population, socio-economic development and climatic conditions. The state of development varies widely, ranging from highly to least developed. Many Member States in the Region have established national environmental agencies or have a division under the Ministry of Health responsible for environmental health matters. While socio-economic development has led to progress and an improved standard of living in many parts of the Region, it has also brought about unregulated growth and created vast urban and industrial complexes that pollute air, water and land, posing great threats to human health. Rapid urban growth has resulted in overcrowding, squalid housing conditions, poor sanitation and inadequate services to meet the needs of the people. In recent years, the Member States in the Region have become aware of the need to achieve sustainable development and to preserve the environment for future generations. However, in attempting to address environmental concerns, many governments still face major constraints such as lack of, or ineffective, national policies and strategies; poor enforcement of legislation; inadequate technical capabilities and supporting institutions; poorly trained or insufficient human resources; and limited financial resources.
In addition to the conventional environmental problems, there are newly emerging ones affecting the Region as well as the rest of the world. These include the problem of global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, transboundary movement of air and water pollutants, export of hazardous wastes and polluting industries from developed countries to developing countries, disastrous chemical accidents, and indiscriminate use and unsafe disposal of toxic chemicals including pesticides.
With environmental degradation and mismanagement threatening existing ecosystems and human health on a wide scale, PEPAS is confronted with challenges which call for new ideas and innovative approaches to work with Member States for a cleaner and healthier environment.
4.2 Community water supply and sanitation
The International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade ended on 31 December 1990. While American Samoa, Brunei Darussalam, Cook Islands, Guam, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Tonga achieved their Dec(.'de goals of full coverage of adequate water supply and/or sani tation, there still remains much to be done in other countries of the Western Pacific Region. A survey of the status of water supply and sanitation in countries of the Region was carried out in early 1991, and the results are
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summarized in Table 1. As the Region comprises countries and areas of great diversity in terms of population, geographical area, socio-economic development and per capita income, countries of similar characteristics have been grouped together to facilitate comparison of their current status and progress during the Decade. China is listed separately from the other countries because of its extremely large population of over one billion.
Group A is composed of the highly developed countries of Australia, Japan and New Zealand where water supply and sanitation services are provided to virtually the entire population.
In Group B, the rapidly industrializing countries of Malaysia, Philippines and the Republic of Korea have attained high levels of service in both water supply and sanitation sectors in urban areas and have achieved good progress in the rural sector. The Philippines have also raised the standard of service in many areas but lack of available funds continues to be this country's major constrair.t. The Philippine authorities are making special efforts to upgrade the water supply and sam tat ion services for the urban poor ..
Group C represents the small island countries of the Pacific. Most of them have achieved good {lrogress during the Decade with two couritries;.namely, Cook Islands and Palau, having vIrtually reached full coverage in both water supply and sanitation. However, in the rural areas of the Federated States of MicroneSia and Marshall Islands, covera~es are less than 50% and more attention to the rural areas is required. The poor operatton and maintenance and lack of good cost recovery systems are more apparent in countries of this ~roup. Leaka~e and extrava~ent water use cause waste of resources in many cases. OWing to populatton &rowth in limited land arelts, drinking water sources have become more prone to pollutIOn and water quality problems have become more evident.
Upgrading standards of sewage disposal methods is receiving greater attention in the smaller countries of the Pacific. Marine outfalls have been constructed during the Decade in Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau and Papua New Guinea and proposals for construction of such facilities are in various stages of preparation in Cook Islands, . Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu: While these efforts will lead to a cleaner urban envi~onment, the advantages .and disadvantages as compared to other methods still reqUIre careful assessment.
Group D is composed of the larger island countries of New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Progress has been good because of a hIgh level of donor support. Sanitation p'rogrammes in rural areas of Solomon Islands are progressing but coverage is stili only about 3%. On the other hand, Papua New Guinea has made excellent progress with rural sanitation coverage rising from 3% to 33% during the Decade. Progress of urban sewerage covera~e has been less successful as the use of higher standards for service in 1990 has resulted In lower figures for coverage that no longer include many of the on-site sanitation facilities such as pit latrines.
Cultural apathy to rural sanitation programmes is probably more of a constraint in countries of this group and special efforts in health education are necessary. Poor operation and maintenance IS again a major constraint in this group.
The Lao People's Democratic Republic and Viet Nam ill Group E are similar in that lack of funds is the major constraint preventing progress. both having experienced long periods of slow economic development. Urban water supply and sanitation programmes rely largely on bilateral funding. Rural programmes mainly depend on the support of UNICEF and WHO, for training, technical advisory services and supply of materials. Progress in both sectors has been slow. Inadequate treatment and source
...
...
...
-
-
-
-
...
Group
A
B
C
D
E
F
I China
Average
Group A
Group B
GroupC
Group D
Group E
Group F
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Table 1 : Water supply and sanitation service levels in the Western Pacific Region
(December 1989 - December 1990)
Mean percentage Mean percentage served by sanitation served by water supply
1980 1990 1980 1990
-
Urban Rural Urban Rural Urban Rural Urban Rural
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
80 51 94 64 94 74 97 87 '" -
87 60 98 76 93 62 95 76
78 25 93 58 94 10 76 24
21 12 47 25 11 3 30 8
100 97 100 98 99 75 99 80
85 30 95 72 90 90 90 95
79 54 90 70 11.3 59 84 67
Australia, Japan, New Zealand
Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea
American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, (Nauru), (Niue), (Northern Mariana Islands), Palau, (Tokelau), Tuvalu, Tonga, Samoa, (Wallis and Futuna)
New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu
Lao People's Democratic Republic (Viet Nam)
Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore
China is listed separately.
Note: The countries/areas ill parelltheses are not illcluded in the figures of the above table since some data are Ilot available. For Group F, there is no rural populatioll ill Singapore.
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protection in both urban and rural areas often results in drinking water supplies below acceptable water quality values. There is much to be done, therefore, not only to improve coverage from it~ current low levels but to raise the standard of service. In the rural areas of Lao People's Democratic Republic, sanitation coverage is only about 6%. Operation and maintena~ce is again a major constraint, attributable in part to the lack of funds available for spare parts, equipment and transport.
Group F consists of the largely urbanized countries of Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong, Macao and Singapore. High levels of service are provided to their urban populations in spite of limitations on available water resources.
In China, data on the water supply and sanitation sector are also difficult to collect as there are 30 provinces where standards of service vary widely. Nightsoil collection and disposal facilities exist in many urban peripheral areas, municipalities and villages, and remain a health hazard to collectors and consumers of crops fertilized by nightsoil. The standard of many of the urban communal toilets is often poor and ongoIng efforts to replace these are being made. Generally, China has reached a satisfactory level of water supply and sanitation during the Decade.
Overall, the developiug countries of the Western Pacific Region have achieved good progress in the DecaJe amI current levels of coverage :ompare favourably with those in other Regions. The main constraints to progress remain the lack of funds, shortages of trained staff, operation and maintenance problems and poor cost recovery systems.
4.3 Environmental health in rural and urban development and housinc:
4.3.1 Urban environmen1ill..1.~a1th
The Western Pacilire Region has some of the world's most urbanized countries and areas. In Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Caledonia, New Zealand, RepUblic of Korea and Singapore, over 70% of the total population live in urban areas (see Table 2). The urban areas of the developing countries are growing at a rate of 3% to 6% per annum. Rapid urban grov/lh has caused severe overloading of urban infrastructure and services such as housing, transportation, water and energy sUfplies, domestic and industrial waste management systems, parks and recreationa areas. As a result, the quality of the living environment in many urban areas has undergone serious degradation, threatening the health and quality of life of the inhabitants.
Government action te alleviate these problems is often not well coordinated, resulting in piecemeal and ill.! ~ programmes carried out by various agencies. The integration of efforts by various sectors is needed in order to provide a concerted approach to the improvement of environmental health in urban areas.
4.3.2 Solid waste manac:em~
Despite recent emphasis on waste management in many Member States, problems associated with municipal solid waste are still severe. Each year, substantial resources are spent by local governments for the provision of solid waste collection and disposal services. However, in many cases, these services are grossly inadequate and not costeffective. In view of the amicipated increase in the generation of solid waste and the complexity of its compositionin the future, public participation and national government support, in addition to the improved efforts of local governments themselves, will be essential.
" •
-
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Table 2: Urbanization in the Western Pacific Region
Country/ Total population Urban population area estimate for 1990
(million) Percentage Average annual in 1990
(million) of total growth rate (%) population 1985-1990
-Australia 26.75 14.32 85.50 1.22
Brunei 0.27 0.15 57.70 3.40
China 1135.50 243.48 21.44 2.16 •
Cook Islands 0.02 0.007 34.90 2.15
Fiji 0.75 10.33 44.00' . 2.93
Hong Kong 5.84 5.44 93.20 1.52
Japan 123.46 95.04 76.9& 0.52
- Cambodia 8.25 0.96 11.63 3.96
LaoPDR 4.07 0.76 18.61 5.70
Malaysia 17.34 7.34 42.31 4.34 .
New Caledonia 0.17 0.13 80.50 2.78
New Zealand 3.38 2.84 84.19 0.90
Papua New Guinea 4.01 0.63 15.81 4.74
Philippines 62.41 26.43 42.35 3.81
Republic of Korea 43.58 31.40 72.04 3.14
Singapore 2.70 2.70 100.00 1.09
Solomon Islands 0.33 0.04 10.60 5.69
Tonga 0.12 0.03 20.50 1.76
Vanuatu 0.16 0.05 30.00 6.25
Viet Nam 67.17 14.71 21.89 3.75
Total 1506.28 456.787 30.33
Source: United Nations (1988), Prospects of World Urbanizations
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As indicated in Table 3, municipal solid waste management is generally adequately carried out in the developed countries and areas of the Region. In Malaysia, a national plan for municipal solid waste management was formulated in 1988, and the initial activities of this plan are being implemented. In China, collection services and recycling activities are generally satisfactory, but landfill sites require much improvement. In Lao People's Democratic Republic, Philippines, Viet Nam and the Pacific island countries, municipal solid waste management is still inadequate.
4.3.3 Environmental impact assessment
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is now an accepted regulatory instrument in many Member States of the Region (see Table 4). In Australia, China, Federated States of Micronesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, and some other Pacific island countries, EIA is mandated by laws, while in Fiji and Japan, it is carried out as an administrative requirement. Singapore has no legal system specifically for EIA although the Ministry of the Environment has effective consultation wah project proponents on development activities. Viet Nam is considering development of a regulatory EIA system.
Regulatory agencies and project proponents need to upgrade technical expertise to improve the quality of EIA reports and the review work in most developin~ countries. Management of the EIA process needs to be strengthened in these countnes in order for EIA to be an effective planning tool for project proponents. There has been a lack of input from health agencies to assess the health impact of development activities.
4.4 Health risk assessment pf potentially toxic chemicals
Health risks arising from improper management of potentially toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes in the Region are increasin~ as more chemicals are being used in agriculture, industry and society. Existing epidemiological data indicate that many incidences of morbidity and mortality are associated with exposure to toxic chemicals, including pesticides. Many of th.e pesticides used in developing countries of the Region are imported and there are no regulatory controls over their import and use. Some of these pesticides are banned or severely restricted in their countries of origin.
Despite a growing concern over the safety and control of toxic chemicals, many countries and areas in the Region are still experiencin~ difficulty in developing and strengthening their chemical safety legislation and institution. As a result, many Member States, in particular the developing countries, are unable to take effective action to prevent or ban the production, use or importation! exportation of potentially toxic chemicals, to ensure safety during the transportation of such substances and to control storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes. Poor communication and coordination, particularly with respect to planning and development activities, and the lack of national policies severely impede the implementation of cohesive and effective programmes.
Stringent rej:ulations and high costs of disposal of hazardous wastes in some developed countnes make it attractive to site disposal facilities in developing countries of this Region where regulatory provisions for controlling hazardous wastes are not existing and expertise for dealing with these wastes is lacking. Some of them are the small Pacific island countries where land and technical expertise for construction and operation of disposal facilities are very limited.
Programmes for safety and control of toxic chemicals are usually shared by various agencies. In most countries, the management staff and enforcement personnel lack adequate training and information. Monitoring facilities are frequently inadequate.
-
-
-
-
-
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Table 3 : Municipal solid waste management in the Western Pacific Region
Country/ Collection Recycli!1g/ Final Public National area service processmg disposal awareness support
Australia ) Japan ) 1 1 1 1 1 New Zealand )
Hong Kong Singapore
) 1 )
1 1 1 N/A
Rep. of Korea 1 1 2 1 1 -... - .. - _ ..... _- .-.
Malaysia 2 1 3 1 1 ...
China 1 1 3 ·3 2
Philippines 3 3 3 3 2 ..
Lao PDR ) 3 3 3 3 3 VietNam ) -Fiji ) POu~New ) 2 3 3 3 3
umea )
Fed. States of ) Micronesia )
Marshall lsI.
~ Solomon lsI. 2 3 3 3 N/A Tonga Vanuatu )
- . Note: I = Adequate or actively promoted 2 = Inadequate in some areas or funher improvement required 3 = Inadequate in most areas or significant improvement required
-
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Table 4 : Environmental impact assessment in the Western Pacific Region -Country/ Exisience of Effectiveness Knowledge Manpower and area l1.alor of review and level of expertise of
a ministrative EIA process project regulatory EIA process implementation proponent agency -
Australia ~ Hong Kong Yes Good Adequate Adequate Japan ) New Zealand ) -Rep. of Korea Yes Fair Fair Adequate
Singapore ) No N/A Ad.~quate Adequate
China ) Malaysia ) Yf;S Fair POOl Insufficient Philippines )
-Viet Nam ) No N/A Poor Insufficient Lao POR ) -Fiji ) P'8u~ New ) Yes Poor Poor Insufficient
umea )
Other Pacific ) Yes, in Poor Poor Insufficient lsI. countries ) some
countries
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4.5 Control of environmental health hazards
4.5.1 Air quality management
The major urban centres in the Region are affected by air pollution, mainly in the form of suspended particulates and sulphur dioxide. The deterioration in air quality in the urban areas is mainly due to the increase in population, industrial and manufacturing activities and the rise in the number of motor vehicles. While stringent . air pollution emission standards have controlled the level of air pollution of some cities in the developed countries, the air quality of many urban centres in developing countries continues to oeteriorate and ,Poses a serious threat to human health. Per capita ener~ ~onsump~ion in m~~ countr!es has increased dra~atic.ally, resulting in a correspondIng Increase In the emission of aIT pollutants and contnbutIng to the greenhouse effect.
The use of tetraethyllead as an octane enhancer in gasoline has contributed to the lead pollution in the enVironment. The gradual reduction of lead content of gasoline in countries such as Hon~ Kong, Malaysia and Singapore has resulted in a corresponding decrease in lead emissions. Other countries such as Australia, China and Japan have already restricted the use of lead in ~asoline. In the Philippines, air pollution in urban areas is mainly attributable to emisslOns from jeepneys which constitute the major mode of public transport in the country. ,.
The air pollution levels in urban and industrial areas of China are amon~ the hi~hest in the Region because of the increasing use of coal for energy productlOn. While aCid rain is not expected to be a major concern in most of the countnes in this Region, it is already threatening some heavily industrialized areas, particularly in China, due to their high coal usage. Japan now has stringent specifications for sulphur in oil products while the Republic of Korea has tightened sulphur dioxide standards to combat air pollution and acid rain.
Indoor exposure to air pollutants can he substantial bearing in mind that most peoJ!le spend a major part of the day indoors in different microenvironments, and that a sigmficant amount of air pollutants are generated indoors, lar~ely by the use of biomass fuels for cooking and heating, and by the occupants' own activities, e.g. smoking. The problem is aggravated particularly in countries with cold winters where houses are poorly ventilated, and where poorly designed stoves are used. In this Region, indoor air pollution problems are common in China, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Republic of Korea. Effective control measures are required to reduce these problems to ensure that the health of the occupants is safeguarded.
Greater efforts are required in the Region to effectively control both indoor and outdoor air pollution to protect human health and to encourage Member States to implement control programmes to enable air quality to meet WHO guidelines or the established national standards.
4.5.2 Water quality management
Water pollution problems in the rapidly developing countries of the Region such as China, Malaysia, Philippines and Republic Gf Korea are serious. Although the institutional and legislative aspects to control water pollution have been established in these countries; the implementation and enforcement of water quality standards are inade<J.uate because of lack of manpower and stron~ political commitment. In many countnes, wastewater treatment elants do not function properly because of poor operation and maintenance. While water quality monitoring programmes are well established, upgradin~ of laboratory facilities and strengthening of quality assurance programmes are reqUIred to improve the quality of monitoring data. The approaches taken by some countries to control water pollution are fragmented and action needs to be taken to establish a systemat;c and integrated approach to basinwide water quality management.
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The countries and areas in the Region can generally be classified into the following four groups:
}, Grou~ I - The affluent countries such as Australia, Guam, Hone Kone. Japan, New ealand and Singapore
The water pollution problems in these countries are not serious because they have sufficient human and financial resources to deal with the problems, and adequate action has been taken to bring the problems under control. Therefore, there have been few requests from these countries for PEP AS collaboration, not only in the area of water quality management but also in the other areas related to environmental health.
II. Grolf II - The r~idly-deyeloping nations, such as China, Malaysia, Philippines. and epublic of orea
Rapid industrialization, compounded by urbanization in these four countries, has created serious water pollution problems. Although various measures have been taken to tackle these problems, they are still inadequate .. Therefore, many requests for PEPAS technical collaboration in various fields of water quality management have been received from the countries of this group.
III, Group III - The moderately indystrializiOj! coyntries, such as Fiji. Papua New Guinea, and Viet Nam
In these countries, water pollution has started to emerge as a problem. However, no major action has so far been taken to deal with them, There are some collaborative activitIes in water pollution control/water quality management between PEPAS and the countries in the Group, but they are not substantial.
IV, Group IV - Other countries in the Region
This Group comprises the small'countries and areas in the Pacific, Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic where there are no major industrial activities. Water pollution problems in thes,," countries, if any, are localized and mainly attributable to the discharge of domestic sewage, .
To assist PEPAS in formulating its technical collaborative programmes to suit the needs of the Member States, the situation in the Member States has been analyzed using some of the important indicators in water quality management. The results are presented in Table 5, ' "
Countries in Group's II and III are experiencing deteriorating water quality problems and PEPAS WIll step up its collaborative activities in thes!! countries.
4.6 Food safety
While the developed countries in the Region have fully evolved food control systems, other countries have only begun to establish basic food safety legislation, . Regardless of whether a country IS developed or developing, all cQuntries of the Region must cope with the realities of a high incidence of food borne diseases and the constant threat of food contamination.
Foodborne diseases are a serious and widespread health pr.oblem in the Region. Gastroenteritis rates among the ten most common diseases in the Region and is a major cause of infant mortality, Typhoid fever and hepatitis A are also commonly reported, There is also an increasing danger of contamination of food by agricultural chemicals, industrial pollutants, hazardous food additives and colouring substances.
Table 5 : Situation Analysis - Water Quality Management
i
Water Water Water Source Policy/ Wastewater/ Wastewater / Institutional Human Implementation C1assi- Quality Quality Inventory Strategy N'lghtsoil N'Ightsoil Set-up Resource & Enforcement I
fication Criteria Monitoring Treatment Discharge Develop-Standards ment
jiRQUlI Australia )
I Guam ) , ,
Hong Kong ) Countries in this group generally score 3 for Vari0j indicators Japan ) New Zealand ) Singapore )
GRQUlIl China 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 Rep. of Korea 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 Malaysia 1 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 1 2 ~ Philippines 2 3 1 2 2 1 2 3 1 1
GRQl.!~ III Fiji 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 Papua New 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 0 1
Gu;"ea I I Viet Nam 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
, 1 1 0
GRQUlIY .
LaoPDR ) Cambodia ) Countries in this group generally score 0 for various indicators . Other South )
Pacific countries & areas
Note: 0 = lacking. 1 = minimal 2 = panial 3 = adequtUe
- 50-
Although differences exist in the level of economic development among the countries in the Region, a majority of the countries already have some food laws and regulations. In general, ministries or departments of health are responsible for national food safelY. programmes, while other agencies such as agriculture and trade have specific responsibilities for certain commodities and activities. Strengthening of infrastructure is needed in most countries. There is a general need for more and better trained food inspectors and specialize<.' food analysts. There is a priorit) need for policy and technical training of foocl control administrators in the planning, management and evaluation of food control ~ro~rammes in the interest of pr .Jgramme development so that basic activities can be mitlated. .
The quality of laboratory facilities, equipment and staff varies widely from country to country. Many of the less developed countries have only limited laboratory capabilities. Such laboratories are often poorly equipped and can analyze only a few types of food samples. .
In countries where food laws were enacted many years ago, revision may be necessary to deal with problems created by industriahzation, urbanization and technological advances il'. the food industry. In a number of developing countries, the existing food laws are no! comprehensive, and various legai provisions covering food can be found in a number of different laws and are often administered by various agencies such as health, agriculture, industry, commerce, environment, and tourism.
Few countries in the Region have adequate fooclborne disease surveillance systems. Altliough a number of countries require notification, foodborne diseases are suspected to be highly under-reported.
Several countries in the Region still do not have food legislation pertainin~ to labelling, date-marking and advertising of food. Regulations covering compositIOnal food standards of major foods, limits for additives and contaminants, and general rules covering good manufacturing practices, including new technologies such as irradiation are also lacking in many countries. .
While most countrie" are members of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, cooperative agreements between governments for acceptability of food imports and exports generally do not exist. The quality of food products imported into most countries is not adequately monitored. Many countries are' nterested in developing their exports but are unahle to enter"the world market because oflack of quality control and inspection mech~nisl11s for their products.
s. REVIEW OF PEPAS ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
During the period Jl,ly 1989 - June 1991,83 field collaborative activities and eight regional group educational activities were implemented. A list of these activities is given in Appendix 1. In addition, 18 applied studies on various environmental health subject areas were carried out.
The following sections briefly describe these activities.
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5.1 Community water supply and sanitation
Activities in this area were mainly directed to training, technical advisory services, provision of information and participation in technical meetings organized by other agencies.
A Working Group on Water Supply Management was held in PEPAS in November 1990. This meeting was sponsored by the Government of Japan and attended by ten members from eight countries in the Western Pacific Region. The group identified newly emefJ~ing p'roblems associated with drinking water quality and made 13 recommendations which will help WHO formulate collaborative programmes with Member States in specific areas of water supply.
5.1.1 Trainin!: actiyjties
A workshop on water supply and sanitation programmes was held with PEPAS support in Madang, Papua New Guinea, October 1989. During this workshop, technical and organizational as~ects of rural water supply and sanitation prol\rammes were discussed and constramts in implementing these programmes were Identified. Various recommendations for improvements were proposed, particularly in the design of handpumps and water tanks and water quality monitoring.
A further training activity supported br PEPAS was a workshop on appropriate technology in rural water supply and sanitation held in Hanoi, Viet Nam in November 1989. The techmcal aspect of various types of water supply and sanitation installations in rural areas were covered in detail and this should result in improved designs of gravity water supplies and roof water catchment tanks in the future. The opportunity was also taken to rromote the use of stabilization ponds as a cost-effective way of treating sewage in rura areas.
During the review period, two regional workshops were held in PEPAS in the water supply and sanitatIOn sector. The first workshop held in August 1989 was on human resource development for water and sanitation programmes. This workshop trained senior managers involved in planning, training and management and developed action plans for strengthening human resources in the participants' countries. The second regional workshop' was held in May 1991 on operation and maintenance of water supply and sanitation facilities. Both technical and management aspects were covered and participants developed action plans for the improvement of operation and maintenance programmes in their countries. Particular emphasis was placed on the necessity of reducing unaccounted-for water in water supply systems.
Three national workshops in Viet Nam on water quality monitoring and water treatment plant design were held with PEPAS technical support in 1990. A total of 107 participants attended these meetings. The main purpose of the workshops was to Improve operation of water treatment plants which are currently producmg water below acceptable quality standards.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, PEPAS collaborated in the conduct of a training course on practical aspects of environmental sciences and technologies, December 1990. Among other topics, subjects related to water supply and sanitation were covered in the course. .
5.1.2 Technical adviso!), services
In Papua New Guinea, PEPAS provided a consultant to review the drinking water regulations and to advise the Waterboard on monitoring water supply systems. In another assignment in Papua New Guinea, a PEPAS staff member provided recommend~tions to solve the water pollution problems caused by human wastes discharged from coastal villages in and around Port Moresby. Although the basic
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problems will remain unless major engineering works are undertaken, the measures recommended by PEPAS will reduce the health hazards faced by the villagers.
An outbreak of cholt;ra in Chuuk State of the Federated States of Micronesia prompted the government to make an urgent request in June 1990 for PEPAS collaboration to advise on water supply and sanitation improvements for cholera prevention in the future. Several proposals were made to prevent further outbreaks in the areas with poor water supply and sanitation facilities.
As the implementation of a World Food Programme irrigation project in China will result in resettlement of more than 100,000 people in Gansu Province, a technical assignment was carried out by a PEPAS staff member in October 1990 to make recommendations on water sllPfly and sanitation systems for the settlers. The assignment assessed the need 0 water supply and sanitation and proposed low-cost installations which will prevent morbidity and mortality associated with water-borne diseases in the area. Following this assignment, the PEPAS staff member joined a World Bank mission to review a low cost water supply and sanitation project in Xinjiang Province. This mission made various proposals to improve future implementation of the project.
PEP AS engaged a consultant to study the development programme for urban sewerage in Malaysia. Recommendations on various policy and technical issues were made which will provide guidance f(lr future operations in the sector.
The International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade drew to a close in December 1990. To review the progress made during the past Decade, PEPAS cooperated in the monitoring and evaluation of national water supply and sanitation programmes. Information on various aspects of the country programmes was collected and summarized to provide an assessment of Decade achievements which will be used to develop strategies for future operations.
5.1.3 Applied studies
PEPAS continued te promote applied studies on various aspects of water slJPply and sanitation. These are summarized below: . '
Ongoing studies:
(a) Study of latrine.p[(~~rammes in rural areas, Lao People's Democratic Republic:
The study is to provide guidelines for future rural sanitation programmes. Particular aspects studied include design, community participation and financing arrangements.
(b) Development of prototype latrine, Christmas Island. Kiribati: "
This project was initiated owing to the failure of commun!\llatrine systems in Christmas Island, Kidbati. This study will provide design and cost information for a sanitation programme on the islands allocated for new settlements.
(c) Study of effects of water-sealed toilets on groundwater Quality in atolls. Federated States of \1icronesia:
This study will provide information on the movement of pollution from pit latrines to wells used as sources of drinkin~ water in isiand atolls. The results of the study will help develop guidelines for siting of latrines in relation to wells on atoll island, to mlllilllize contamination of groundwater.
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Completed studies:
(a) Stud>' of desi~n. construction and community participation aspects of ~ravllY water supply schemes. Viet Nam:
This project included the design and construction of a gravity water supply for two villages In the mountainous areas of northern Viet Nam. The construction was successfully completed and benefited about 1,100 villagers.
(b) Development of handpump project. Viet Nam:
In this study, 36 Blair handpumps and 36 Solomon Islands handpumps were installed and their performance compared. It was concluded that both types of pumps were satisfactory for shallow wells in Viet Nam.
5.1.3 Information exchan~e
PEPAS continued to provide information on water supply and sanitation on request from individuals and agencies in the Western Pacific Region. To promote better exchange of information among agencies in the Region, a questionnaire to investigate the feasibility of establishing a regional information network was sent out to relevant national agencies in the Region. The response was overwhelmingly positive and development of this activity is expected to proceed ..
5.1.4 Attendance at meetin~sconvened by other agencies
PEP AS staff participated in four meetings in the field of water supply and sanitation convened by other agencies. These were the WHO InterregIOnal Meeting on a Global Community_ Water Supply and Sanitation Strategy held in Morocco in March 1990 to re-orient WHO operations to meet the evolving needs of the 1990s in the field of community water supply and sanitation; the UNDP Regional Workshop on Environmental Management and Sustainable Development in the South Pacific held in Suva, Fiji in April 1990 to address issues on environmental protection from development relevant to small island countries in the Pacific; the Asian Regional Consultation on . Water Supply and Sanitation - Beyond the Decade, held in Manila, Philipfines in June 1990 to prepare a strategy framework from a regional viewpoint for globa cooperation beyond the Decade; and the Global Consultation on Safe Water and Sanitation for the 1990s held in New Delhi in September 1990, which resulted in the "New Delhi Statement" as a basis for strategies for water supply and sanitation development over the next decade.
5.2 Environmental health in rural and urban development and housing
Activities in this programme area during the review period were centred on environmental flanning and impact assessment, solid waste management and improvement 0 environmental health in urban areas. A total of 23 activities in the form of advisory services, workshops/training coursl')S, technical field visits and attendance at meetings were carried out during the review period. Included in these activities were two regional meetings: a workshop on muniCipal solid waste management and a working group on integration of environmental health into planning for urban development.
5.2.1 Urban environmental health
5.2.1.1 Trainin~ activities
PEPAS convened a Regioaal Working Group on Integration of Environmental Health into Planning for Urban Development from 25 February to 1 March 1991. The meeting produced ten recommendations which will serve as gUIding principles for the development and implementation of the HUE project to promote a healthy urban
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environment, mentioned t!Clrlier in this report. The meeting was held in recognition of the fact that accelerated growth of urban areas in Membt:r States had resulted in a serious degradation of the qualit¥ of the living environment., threatening the health of the urban population. The meetmg called for a new WHO initiative to focus on the important issues related to the development of healthy urban environments in the Region.
A consultant was engaged to develop a training package for systems analysis in planning, design, operation and maintenance of urban environmental health systems and the materials developed have been used at a national workshop in Chini!. In Malaysia, a national workshop on housing and health was conducted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with PEPAS. These workshops provided a forum for I?articipants from different agencies to review problems associated with the urban envIronment and discuss inter-agency measures to overcome the problems.
5.2.1.2 Applied studies
A two-year study on the improvement of environmental health in two underserved settlements In Malaysia was completed. The study which was jointly carried out by the University of Agriculture, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Ministry of Health and PEPAS, produced a plan to upgrade refuse collection and disposal systems and sanitation facilities in the two communities. Another applied study is being carried out in China to develop guidelines for integrated optimal planning for urban environmental management programmes.
5.2.2 Solid waste management
5.2.2.1. Training activities
A regional workshop on municipal solid waste management was held at PEPAS on 26 February - 2 March 1990. It was attended by 26 participants from 11 countries in the Region. The participants reviewed guidelines for the formulation and implementation of national action plans for municipal solid waste management, which were developed based on the experience in MalaYSIa. Participants from nine countries, where no such national plan existed, benefited from the exchange of ideas and prepared frameworks for the formulation of national action plans for their countries. .
At country level, PEFAS collaborated with Fiji and Lao People's Democratic Republic in conducting one national trainin~ workshop each on solid waste management to upgrade technical "am: inanagerial experuse in these countries ...
5.2.2.2 Technical advisory services
Technical assignments on solid waste management were carried out, one each, in China, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Marshall Islands, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. During the assignments, with the exception of the one in China, solid waste management practices in major towns and cities were assessed, and appropriate measures and plans to improve the practices were recommended. The a·ctivity 111 China focussed on the assessment of solid waste management systems in six small and medium-sized cities, namely, Anyang, Langfang, Nantong, Weihai, Wuxi and Yantai.
5.2.2.3 Information excl~
PEPAS initiated a reg.ional information network on solid waste management to facilitate information exchange among the ~()vernment officials and research scientists involved in this field. The Institute of Public Health, Japan cooperates in this task in its role as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Solid Waste Management.
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5.2.2.4 Applied study
An applied study on the co-composting of rHuse and dewatered sludge was conducted in China. It was carried out in cooperation with the Tongji University, Shanghai. The study produced a technical manual for co-composting, designed for use by municipal solid waste management authorities in the country.
5.2.3 Environmental planning and impact assessment
5.2.3.1 Trainin~ actiyiti'!s
National training activities on environmental planning and impact assessment were implemented in China, Malaysia, Philippines, and Viet Nam. PEPAS collaborated with the Philippines in initiating fisk assessment and management activities. In Malaysia, PEPAS helped conduct a national workshop on environmental risk assessment. A case study on area-wide risk assessment, carried out as a PEPAS applied study, was presented at the workshop. In China, a national workshop on environmental planning for smallsized cities was implemented in collaboration with the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental SCiences. In Viet Nam, a national training course on practical aspects of environmental sciences and technologies was conducted. These traimn~ activities were aimed at the strengthening of human resources of the respective countnes in environmental planning and health risk assessment and are in line with a recommendation made at the previous PEPAS Advisory Committee Meeting.
5.2.3.2 Technical advisoQ' services
Two assignments to provide advisory services on EIA were carried out durinf the review period: one in Fiji and the other in the Philippines. In both assignments, E A programmes in the countries were assessed with special attention given to the mobilization and effective management of resources available for future programme development. The assignment in the Philippines, in particular, focussed on development of EIA training programmes. Training modules and case-study materials were prepared.
5.2.3.3 Information services
Since 1988, PEPAS has been promoting information el(chan~e through a regional information network called EIA/EHIANET. Encouraged by pOSitive responses from the network members, PEPAS continued the operation of the network which has now grown to a membership of more than 100 in the Region. Four issues of the EIA/EHIANET newsletter were distributed during the review period.
5.3 Health risk assessment of potentially toxic chemicals
During the review period, PEPAS collaborative activities in this programme area focussed on developing national policy, le~islation, monitoring programmes, and information management. PEPAS also imtiated a UNDP-funded, WHO-executed project on the safety and control of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes.
5.3.1 Training activities
In China; a national workshop on hazardous waste management organized by the National Environmental Protection Allency (NEPA) was conducted in collaboration with PEPAS. 43 participants were tramed in various technical and managerial approaches to hazardous waste management.
5.3.2 Technical advisoQ' services
In an effort to strengthen national legal and administrative frameworks, PEP AS collaborated with the Philippines in preparing national policies and legislation for
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control of hazardous substances and in developing an inventory of sources of potentially toxic chemicals. Collaborative activities were also undertaken in Papua New Guinea to design a legal instrument for the control of importation, ma'lufacture, use and sale of hazardous chemical substances; in China to develop regulatory programmes for the control of chemical consumer products; and in Fiji to asse~;s the legal framework and man?ower requirements for occupational and industrial health. A consultant was provIded to Malaysia te. advise on monitoring groundwater contamination resulting from the improper disposal of hazardous wastes. PEPAS also cooperated with the Ministry of Health in Malaysia to prepare guidelines for the; safe disposal of clinical wastes.
5.3.3 UNDP /WHO project
The project which deals with safety and control of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes, involves five countries, namely, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea and Singapore. The maiJl purpose of the project is to strengthen the natJonal capabilities of the participating countries III assessing health risks associated with toxic and hazardous substances. The project involves preparation of country profiles, national training courses, technical studies, review of lellislatlon and regulations, fellowships, training of community health workers, translatIOn of essential documents on hazardous materials into national lar'guages, preparation of educational material in each country _ and a regional workshop held at PEPAS.
5.4 Control of environmental health hazards
5.4.1 Air quality managemM!
5.4.1.1 Technical adviso!)' services
Seven assignments on technical advisory services Of! air quality management were completed during the review period. .
, Endemic fluorosis is a severe and chronic problem which occurs in some parts of China, and the number of dental and skeletal fluorosis patients reached 103 million and 17 million respectively in 1986. PEPAS cooperated with the Institute of Environmental Health and Engineenng ir; Beijing to look into meas!.!r~s to control the problem of endemic fluorosis arising from coal smoke inhalation. A pilot study aimed at the prevention of fluorosis through creating public awareness of the hazards and appropriate control measures was implemented. In another assignment with the Institute of Environmental Health Monitoring, PEPAS cooperated in the develop-ment of air quality indices for monitoring amI assessment of air quality. The indices WIll give a better understanding of the extent and severity of the air pollution problem from suspended particulates and sulphur dioxide.
In Fiji, PEP AS advised the Govemment on procedures of air quality monitoring programmes and on the development of air quality regulations.
Advisory services were also provided to the Department of Environment, Malaysia on its ambient air monitoring programmes and on air dispersion modelling, particularly on the development of air quality models for the Kelang Valley.
A PEPAS consultant was provided to the Environmental Management Bureau in the Philippines to review and analyze their air quality data and to develop an air pollution prediction model for Metro Manila. This was the first time the source emissions data of Metro Manila were used for the devel()pm~nt of an air pollution model. As an outcome of the consultant's assignment, a report entitled "Model for Air Pollution Planning", describing the methodology useu and results obtained, was prepared. In anothe~ related activity, a PEPAS consulta~lt colla.bo.rated with. the . Government to look lflto measures to control motor vehIcle emISSions from )eepneys lfl the Philippines. The air pollution problem from motor vehicles in major cities of the
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Philippines is becoming serious and poses a threat to the health of those exposed to vehicular emissions.
5.4.1.2 Applied study
A quality assurance programme to audit and calibrate air quality monitoring stations in Chma, Malaysia and the Philippines was imrlemented by two experts from the Institute of Public Health, Japan under a Technica Services Agreement. Training on monitoring, calibration and equipment maintenance was provided to the concerned government officials to improve the quality assurance of the monitoring programmes in these countries.
5.4.1.3 GEMS/air Quality monitoring project
There are currently 50 monitoring stations throughout is cities in nine Western Pacific countries and areas participating in the project. PEP AS maintains contact with national participating agencies and coordinates the collection of data on suspended particulates and sulphur dioxide. Participating agencies in this Region have been contributing data to the project since 1977. .
5.4.1.4 GEMS/HEAL project
The UNEP /WHO Human Exposure Assessment Location (HEAL) project provides comparable assessments of human exposures to environmental pollutants in various countries. Three groups of chemicals, (heavy metals, organic chemicals and nitrogen dioxide) are monitored through personal and biological monitoring. In this Region, China and Japan are paiticipating in the project.
5.4.2 Water quality management
During the review period, five technical assignments, three training activities and three applied studies were implemented.
5.4.2.1 Training activities
In China, a training course on management of wastewater treatment facilities was conducted in collaboration with the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES). A training course on drinking water quality surveillance was also conducted to familiarize participants with surveillance procedures in connection with the country's rural water supply programme.
A regional workshop on health and technical aspects of nightsoil and wastewater use, attended by participants from nine countries of the Region, was held at PEP AS from 24 to 28 September 1990. The main objectives were to introduce the new WHO Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater and Excreta in Agriculture and Aquaculture (1989), and to examine current practices in nightsoil and wastewater use for agriculture and aquaculture. Through careful crop selectIOn, promotion of better treatment of nightsoil and wastewater and improvement in the method of their application, the health risks associated with the lise of nightsoil and wastewater could be reduced.
A national workshop on nightsoil reuse in agriculture and aquaculture was organized by the Institute of Environmental Health and Engineenng, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine in June 1991 and PEPAS provided a resource person to help conduct the workshop.
5.4.2.2 Technical advisory services
In Fiji, a technical assignment was implemented by a PEP AS consultant to provide advice on the management of agricultural and livestock wastes. A consultant was also
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provided to Papua New Guinea to review drinking watl!r regulations and to recommend appropriate monitoring programmes. In the Solomon Islands, the threat to health posed by the discharge of untreated sewage through numerous outlets along the shoreline was vIewed with great concern by the Government. PEPAS cOl'perated in conducting marine outfall studies through coastal surveys. Advisory services were provided to the Philippines on marine pollution monitoring. The wnsuhant designed monitoring programmes for recreational and shellfish growing waters and trained personnel on monitoring technologies and water quality data management. In Malaysia, a technical assignment to cooperate with the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Mafaysia (SIRIM) in the development of package wastewater treatmenl plants was completed.
5.4.2.3 Applied studies
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A study on the health assessment of nightsoil and wastewater use for agriculture and aquaculture in China was completed under a Technical Services Agreement. The main objective of the study was to define the health risks and to develop a practicable syst<;m for ~ights?i1/wastewater treat'?7nt, .disp,osal and r~us<;. Anot~er applied study earned out m Chma on women's partiCIpatIOn m the momtonng and Improvement of drinking water quality in a selected county was completed. Work carried out under the _ study included the establishment of water quality monitoring and protection programmes. The study was aimed at encouragmg women's participation in water quality control to reduce the transmission of waterborne diseases.
Through a Contractual Services Agreement with the National University of Malaysia, an applied study on methods of monitorin~ the bacteriological quality of drinking water was implemented. The study was il1ltiated in January 1990 and will be completed in late 1991. The results are expected to provide valuable information on appropriate field testin~ methods for drinking water quality monitoring in rural areas where laboratory facilittes are not available.
5.4.2.4 GEMS/water quality monitoring project -Eleven countries aml areas of the Region are participHing in the project with the
involvement of 39 participatin& laboratories and a network of 50 monitoring stations. During the review period, parttcipating agencies continued to contribute water quality data to the project. In this Region, data reporting for the project has been ongomg since 1979. In 1990, WHO convened a meeting to review the project in light of emerging _ Illobal priorities and concluded that emphasis should be shifted from monitoring to the Interpretation of data arid to the assessm,ent of water quality issues and trends. Therefore, a set of revised objectives was established for the second phase of the project which commenced in 1991.
5.4.3 Other activities
In the Solomon Islands, technical cooperation was provided by PEP AS to develop an in-service training J?rogramme for the Health Inspectorate staff. A consultant was assigned to Fiji to adVIse the Department of Environmental Health, Fiji School of Medicine on the operations and maintenance of environmental health monitoring equipment. Another COi1s'lltant provided advisory services on legislative and institutional framework for developing and implementing occupational health and safety programmes in Fiji. PEPAS collaborated with the Government of Viet Nam in conducting a national workshop on health impacts of industrial emissions. The workshop emphasized the role of environmental epidemiology and field techniques to investigate the occupational health problems of industries.
A survey on the extent and severity of noise-induced hearing loss of Vietnamese workers, supported by WHO research funds, was implemented. The results of the study will be used to promote awareness among factory managas of the adverse effects of
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noise pollution on workers' health and encourage them (0 implement strategies for prevention and control of hearing loss.
5.5 Food safety
5.5.1 Training activitjes
Six training activities were held during the review period with PEP AS cooperation. In China, a training course in food safety and a workshop on shellfish sanitation were implemented. The training course, funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), trained senior food safety personnel on the procedures for the implementation and strengthening of food safety programmes. The workshop was held foJIowin& what was perhaps the world's largest outbreak of food borne disease in Shanghai. Nearly 300 000 cases of hepatitis A were confirmed with the cause traced back to the consumption of "hairy" clams harvested from contaminated waters. The workshop brou/lht together food safety officials from all the coastal provinces of China to consider vanous options for ensuring the safety of shellfish. In Malaysia, a staff member served as a resource person in a training course on foodborne disease outbreak investigation.
A regional seminar on food safety legislation was convened -at PEP AS from 27 to 30 August 1990. It was attended by eighteen participants from sixteen countries and areas as well as five representatives and observers. The seminar successfully met its objectives, specifically the development of model food safety laws for consideration by countries in the Region.
WHO sponsored the First Asian Conference on Food Safety which was held in Kuala Lumpur from 2 to 7 September 1990. PEPAS worked closely with conference panelists in preparin& the Regional Action Pl:m which was adopted by conference participants, comprismg about 450 people from 33 countries and areas. The Action Plan IS an important food safety initiative and reflects the consensus of governments, industry and consumers on the need to improve the safety of food in the Region.
In collaboration with DANIDA, a regional training course on food safety was held· in Suva, Fiji in December 1990. It was attended by 17 health officials from 13 Pacific island countries and areas.
5.5.2 Technical advisory services
Thirteen country assignments were implemented during the review period.
A consultant was provided to Papua New Guinea to develop a manual for the inspection of imported food and to conduct a training workshop on the use of the manual. In Phihppines and Viet Nam, the food safety situation was reviewed and proposals were developed for strengthening the food safety infrastructure, while in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, PEPAS cooperated in the development of basic food safety legislation. In njl, a consultant was provided to develop a protocol to assess the safety of shellfish while another consultant cooperated with the Government to draft an updated food safety law and related regulations. A consultant was provided to China to advise the Municipality of Beijing on food safety in preparation for the Asian Games, and another consultant cooperated with the Institute for Nutrition and Food·Hygiene in implementing a total diet study of nutrition and food contamination in China.
Some of the Pacific island countries and areas have a high incidence of foodborne diseases. A PEPAS staff member visited six of these countries and areas to advise on the improvement of food safety programmes. In Tonga, proposals were developed for the integration of food safety into a specific foodborne disease control and prevention programme, namely for typhoid fever. In Tuvalu, the need for establishing some activity In the food safety area, because of the high rate~ of food borne diseases in the country,
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was discussed. A review was made of the food safety situation in Kiribati, where foodborne diseases, incluuing endemic typhoid fever, are serious public health problems. As a result of this visit, Kiribati joined the Codex Alimenta,'ius Commission. The foodborne disease problems in the Marshall Islands and the stel?s undertaken to control and prevent them were revieweu. In the Federated States of Micronesia, the PEPAS staff member discussed, umung other things, implementation of food safety activities under the regular countrr budget, which included provisions for two fellowships and a consultant. Finally, a visll was made to the Republic of Palau to review food borne disease problems and to discuss future collaboration to address these problems.
5.5.3 Information exchauz~
PEPAS continued to expand the scope of the PEPAS food information sharing network (FOS INFONET). In addition to regulatory affairs, three new subnetworks were established in toxicology, epidemiology and laboratory aspects of food safety. The PEPAS video library was expanded and FOS INFONET Newsletters issued. Numerous requests for information were attended to.
The second edition o~· the PEPAS technical publication "Food safety services in the Western Pacific" was issued, providing the most comprehensive coverage available on food safety administration and legislation in the Western Pacific, including information on thirty-two countries and areas.
5.5.4 Applied studies
PEPAS implemented six applied studies in the food safety area, namely:
a) Ra.pid methods of aJllll.ysis for food safety:
This US$30 000 two-year study with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of New Zealand, developed a compendium of available rapid methods of analysis, especially those that rely on new biotechnology approaches. The study Included the validation of the most promising pnonty tests with a view to developing a field test kit for food safety.
b) Safely of shellfish in Fiji:
This study conducted with the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji will examine the microbiological hazards posed by the consumption of "kai" shellfish which are 'harvested from the Rewa River.
c) Risk factors for foouborne disease:
This study was conducted in a rural area of Malaysia near Kota Bharu and examined the relationship between food handling in th ~ home and by street vendors and the risk of foodborne disease. The results indicate that poor food handling is a major cause of diarrhoeal disease and other foodborne diseases in rural areas. The study will lead to the development of IIltervention methods to minimize health risks.
d) Food safety at home. in dininl: halls and on the street: Risk for foodborne disease:
An applied study with the National Institute of Nutrition in Hanoi, Viet Nam is being implemented to examine the hazards of food consumed by students in their homes and at school cafeteria, and food sold on the streets. The study will include a Hazard Anaiysis Critical Control Point review of those foods associated with the risk of foodborne disease.
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e) Review of food safety legislation in the Western Pacific Region:
- A review of food safety legislation was undertaken by a contractor who collected and evaluated information on food safety legislation in the Region. A legislative model was developed for possible adoption by Member States.
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f) Expert system for food borne diseases:
A study to develop an expert computer program for the diagnosis of foodborne disease was completed at. the end of 1989. The pro~ram can be used by researchers interested in developing a data base to Improve the accuracy of foodborne disease reporting.
5.5.5 GEMS food contamination monitorinl: project
In this Region, six countries (Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines and Republic of Korea) are participating in the project, some of which have been contributing data since 1977. Contaminants monitored are heavy metals, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and aflatoxin in various foodstuffs. During the review period, participating agencies continued to contribute data to the project.
5.6 Information service programme
In fulfilling its role as a regional information centre in the field of environmental health, PEP AS continued to provide technical information services in response to requests, and to distribute environmental health publications issued by WHO. During the review period, the PEPAS query-response service attended to 370 reguests for information on specific environmental health topics and distributed pubhcations to approximately 600 individuals and agencies in the Region.
Activities implemented in connection with the various regional exchange networks on environmental Impact assessment/environmental health impact assessment, food safety, solid waste management and water supply and sanitation have been described . earlier in this report. These networks have been very useful in facilitating the exchange of information among respective network members in the Region.
PEPAS upgraded its library management system by completing the computerization of its library holdings. A computerized data base containing the categories, keywords and abstr'lcts of the publications in the library collection is now available.
6. FUTURE PROSPECTS
6.1 CommunilY water supply and sanitation
The International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade has ended but there is still much to be done in the water supply and sanitation sector if the WHO goal of "Health for All by the Year 2000" is to be achieved in the Western Pacific Re~ion. In the developing countries (excluding China) of the Region, there are still approximately 30 million people in rural areas without adequate water supply and about 26 million without adequate sanitation in the Region. There are about 14 million people in urban areas without sufficient quantity of safe water supplies and ar:other 14 million without adequate sanitation. The major constraints, namely, lack of funds, shortage of trained
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personnel, operation and maintenance problems anJ la.:k of cost recovery system~ still remain and PEPAS will therefore continue to direct future activities to meeting these constraints and reducing their negative impact on programmes.
WHO is not a funding agency and efforts in closing the gap between the needs and available funds will therefore concentrate on the improvement of coordination between donors and countries. PEPAS will step up its efforts to identify projects suitable for support by donor agencies. Minor funding can be provided by PEPAS for pilot projects _ that can demonstrate successful hardware and software technologies for subsequent implementation in large scale programmes. , .
The related problems of poor cost recovery and high unaccounted-for-water greatly contribute to the shortage of available funds and PEPAS can provide more support in these areas in the future. The introduction of well designed tariff structures will be promoted by PEPAS in several countries of the Region, particularly Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Malaysia and Western Samoa. PEPAS will support workshops to develop cost recovery systems and unaccounted-for-water reductIon programmes at the natIOnal level. These workshops will also address operation and maintenance problems at the local level.
Water quality monitoring and water treatment are still problem areas particularly in the poorer developing countries. The need for practical and affordable monitoring and treatment systems is evident and PEPAS will step up its collaboration in these areas. Emphasis must be directed to sustainable programmes that take into account local capabilities and available funds. Applied studies to identify convenient and low cost water testing methods will be supported.
PEP AS will also strengthen its collaborative activities to improve drinking water qnality through the introduction of new methods to meet both new and existing pollution problems. In view of trihalemethanes (THMs) resulting from chlorination of drmking water containing organic sub~tances, the use of chlorine and other disinfectants need to be examined.
A re~ional workshop on water and wastewater treatment systems for small co.mmuniues is.pla!1ned to be held in.PEPAS durin& t.h~ 1992-93 bi<;nnium. Following thiS workshop, It Will be necessary to Implement actIvities at the nauonallevel, preferably with on-the-job training.
PEPAS will continue its information services in the sector particularly to the least developed countries.' ThTs service may be incorporated into an information network in the future.
6.2 Enyironmental health in rural and urban development and hqusinC
The regional working group meeting on integration of environmental health into plannin~ for urban development held in PEPAS in 1991, has generated a momentum for promotmg healthy urban environments in the Western Pacific Region. PEPAS will continue to collaborate with Member States to protect the environment and improve health in urban areas. Technical input will be provided to develop 'indicators to monitor the progress of environmental he,alrh activities in urban areas of the Region, promote information exchange through regional networks, collaborate with Member States in conducting national workshops and site-specific studies, and assess environmental health impacts of urban development in selected cities. PEPAS will work closely with the primary health care unit of the Regional Office to promote the Healthy Urban Environment project mentioned earlier in this report.
In the area of solid 'waste management, PEP AS will continue its collaborative activities to improve municipal solid waste management practices, particularly through the development of national action plans, or master plans in larger municipalities.
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...
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PEP AS will also promote recycling and resource recovery from municipal solid waste. A sub-regional workshop on solid wdste management in the Pacific island countries will be held to address specific issues relevant to the small island countries in the Pacific, such as landfill and coastal reclamation, design of efficient collection systems and recycling of packaging waste. PEP AS support will also concentrate on the management of special wastes such as hospital/clinical, bulky household and garden waste, and intrusion of hazardous substances into municipal waste streams.
The regional information exchange networks on EIA/EHIA and on solid waste management will continue to serve the professionals and institutions involved in these fields. Emphasis will be given to those topics and problems which are common in the Region. In the area of EIA, priority for PEPAS support will be ~iven to Viet Nam and the Pacific island countries as they are in the process of developmg their EIA programmes.
One of the newly-emerging environmental health problems associated with industrialization and urbanization in rapidly developing Member States is their health and environmental impacts on rural communities. Environmental health problems in rural areas will no lon!!er be merely associated with water supply and sanitation. There will be a considerable mcrease in health risks resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals of industrial origin (e.l\. industrial zones sited in rural areas). Social well-being will also be affected due to the mtroduction of new lifestyles. To effectively deal with these problems, PEPAS will collaborate with Meml:>cr States in developing activities which will lead to a more 'healthy rural environment in the Region.
Another iniportant activity to be promoted in the future is disaster preparedness. In addition to ensuring the safety of water and food supplied during and after disasters, proper disposal of human excreta and refuse must be provided. Where there are facilities for the manufacture and storage of hazardous chemicals, emergency response procedures should be established and integrated into the disaster preparedness plan of the community. PEPAS will develop collaborative activities with Member States to enhance their preparedness for natllral disasters. This initiative will form a contribution to the United Nattons International Decade for Natural Di~aster Reduction (1991-2000).
6.3 Health risk assessment of potentially toxic chemicals
PEPAS will continue to implement the UNDP-funded WHO-executed project on safety and control of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes which will be completed in the 1992-1993 biennium. Support to those Member States involved in the project will be provided by PEPAS under the project mandate, and if necessary, PEPAS will provide additional resources, particularly for those priority areas identified during the project.
Two regional workshops are in the pipeline; one on chemical safety legislation, and the other on effective management of chemical safet>.: information. The former will be a WHO contribution to the above-mentioned UNDP/WHO project, and will focus on modelle~islation for chemical safety and its applicahility in the Region. The latter will emphasIZe the dissemination of chemical safety information to the general public and workers in small industries.
Apart from those Member States involved in the UNDP/WHO project, PEPAS will give priority to supporting Viet Nam and the Pacific island countnes m their programmes on hazardous substances manager.1~nt. Recent government policies on open economy and industrial development in Viet Nam have necessitated the urgent development of adequate hazardous waste management procedures. Pacific island . countnes are concerned with specific wastes such as PCBs from transformers, waste oils, pesticide residues and heavy metal sludges from mining activities. The export of hazardous waste from the developed to the island countries is another issue to be tackled in the future. .
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In the next biennium, PEPAS plans to actively promo:e a broader range of emerging chemical safety issues, including enforcement of chemical safety laws and regulations; development of methods to assess chemical safety; chemical safety for workers, consumers and medical practitioners; and identification and transfer of practical and appropriate technology to enhance chemical safety.
6.4 Control of environmental health hazards
6.4.1 Air quality management
Rapid industrialization and urbanization will continue to contribute to air pollution problems in the future. PEPAS will continue to collaborate with Member States, particularly with those where air pollution problems are becoming increasingly serious and control programmes are inadeguate. Future activities will consist of formulation of air quality management pohcies and plans; development and enforcement of ambient air quality and emission standards; review and updating of existing legislation, training of human resources on selected subjects, and development and implementation of specific projects such as atmospheric diffusion models, refinement of air quality monitoring networks, and compilation of source emission inventories.
With regard to the newly emerging problems of global warming, acid rain and depletion of the ozone layer brought about by atmospheric emissions, PEP AS will collaborate with the international community to address these problems and collaborate with its Member States to minimize their health impacts. While reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide and greenhouse ~ases must be achieved first through improving energy efficiency followed by the substitution of environmentally acceptable fuels, there are major impediments to transferring the best available cost-effective technology to developing countries. A similar problem will be encountered with regard to the substitution of chlorofluorocarbons with ozone friendly products in developing countries. Notwithstanding these impediments, PEPAS will encourage countries of the Region to adopt creative approaches to address these problems so that they will be able to join the global effort to protect the environment.
6.4.2 Water quality manalleme!!l
To safeguard the quality of drinkin~ water, PEPAS will continue to provide technical support on drinking water quahty monitoring and surveillance. In this regard, it is important to promote cost-effective and efficient monitoring programmes which will produce rt;sults for d~ciskm-ma~ing and operational and r~gulatory purposes, .instead of accumulatmg data without makmg use of them. PEP AS WIll also cooperate with Member States in developing or upgrading national drinking water standards to safeguard the health of consumers.
The use of marine outfalls for the disposal of sanitary sewage in the Pacific island countries is increasing. PEPAS will step up its technical cooperation with these countries in the planning and design of marine outfalls.
As groundwater resources are used intensively and extensively in a number of Member States in the Region, over exploitation and pollution problems have adversely affected the beneficial uses of the resources. Funds have been secured for a regional workshop to be held at PEPAS in the next biennium to address the problems faced by these Member States and to study the control measures.
PEPAS will continue,promoting a systematic and inte~rated approach to basinwide water quality arrangment. Other priority areas for tCl;nnical cooperation will be the improvement of operation and maintenance of wastewater /nightsoiJ treatment plants; safe use of wastewater and nightsoiJ for agriculture and aquaculture; and training
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and development of human reso'.Irces for water pollution control/water quality management.
In China, two activities are planned for implementation in the near future: a training course on protection of drinking water sources and a consultant assignment to undertake studies on water quality management models of the Miyun Reservoir which is the major drinking water source for Beijing.
6.5 Food safety
PEPAS will focus greater attention to regional activities with broad impacts on national fo'od safety programmes. Regional and intercountry training courses, workshops and seminars will be promoted in areas of regional interest, such as the WHO/FAO/IAEA Seminar on Harmonization of Regulations on Food Irradiation in Asia and the Pacific to be held in Kuala Lumpur on 20-24 January 1992. PEPAS will continue to support the work of the Regional Codex Coordinating Committee for Asia, a meeting of which will also be held in Kuala Lumpur on 27-31 January 1992.
Applied studies in the food safety area will be sup;>orted, particularly those with regional relevance. PEPAS will explore with DANIDA the possibility of holding further training courses on food safety in the Philippines and Viet Nam. PEPAS will also seek interested donors for support of pesticide residue control programmes in China and in other countries of the Region. .
In strengthening the food safety infrastructure of Member States, appropriate staff and consultants will be provided to improve the effectiveness of food safety activities. PEP AS will collaborate in the dev.;:!opmcnt of health education programmes for foodhandling personnel and will continue to advise on all technical matters related to food safety in the areas of environmental health. nutrition. diarrhoeal diseases, maternal and child health, veterinary public health and primary health care.
Support will be given to the collection and exchange of all relevant food safety information, particularly information on potentially serious food safety hazards. PEPAS
... will continue to develop information networks of persons interested in various aspects of food safety.
6.6 Information service programme
PEPAS will continue to perform the three major functions in its regional ... information service programme:
...
(1) query-response service;
(2)
(3)
information network; and
publication and distribution of technical documents .
The collection and categorization of the I!hrary holdings will be undertaken regularly. The applicability of new information management technologies such as CDROM, electronic mail, and localized area network, to support the information service programme wil\.be evaluated, and if necessary. an appropriate system will be adopted.
Regional information exchange network activities will be expanded to include other subject areas in environmental health (e.g. air quality management, water quality management, chemical safety; etc.). These networks will also act as effective channels to distribute selected technical information/documents of interest to the network members. Further efforts will be made by PEPAS staff members to produce technical
- manuals, training course materials and technical papers for distributIOn throughout the Region.
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7. ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FIFTH MEETING OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Forty recommendations were made at the fifth meeting of the PEPAS Advisory Committee. To describe the action taken on these recommendations, similar recommendations in the various programme areas have been grouped together and summarized. The summarized recommendations and action taken so far are presented as follows: .
7.1 General recommendations
(a) Human resources development
PEPAS should continue to collaborate with Member States in developing and training manpower in the various environmental health programme areas. National group educational activities should be given priority. Training activities should be followed up by field programmes which provide on-the-job training. Programmes in health education and community participation should be promoted.
During the review period, eight regional and 24 national group educational activities were implemented. Further national training courses and workshors are being planned for implementation. The majority of the national group educationa activities also provided for on-the-job training. Health and hygiene education and community participation have been promoted through the training programmes as well as various pilot studies.
(b) I nformation exchan~c
"EPAS should upgmdc disscmination of information to Mcmbcr Statcs, in various environmental health programme areas.
PEPAS continued to rromotc information exchange activities through the regional networks on environmenta impact assessment/environmen!al health impact assessment (EIA/EHIANET) and food safety (FOS INFONET). Regional information networks are being established for solid waste management and water supply and sanitation. A
...,
'""
'""
leaflet entitled "Regional Information System Programme" (RISP) was prepared to pubJicise the role of .PEPAS in disseminating environmental health information. ....,
The activities of PEPAS are also publicized in the quarterly issues of the Environmental Health Newsletter issued by WHO Headquarters; As a result, requests for information, particularly workshop papers ami training course materials, have been frequently received, to which PEPAS has promptly responded. During the review period, an updated technical publication on food safety services in the Region and a ..... , guidance document on information management for municipal solid waste were prepared. In the field of chemical safety, key documents on the subject issued by WHO Headquarters are being arranged for translation into the Chinese language for wide dissemination in China. PEPAS plans to convene a regional workshop.on effective management of chemical safety information to address the need for information dissemination.
(c) Human exposure/environmental epidemiolo~y
PEPAS should consider organizing a regional workshop to introduce Member States to the concepts of human cxposure 10 pollution from air, water, food and other exposures. Environmental epidemiology programmes in Member States should be encouraged to monitor the health elTects from such exposures.
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PEPAS was unable to organize a regional workshop on the subject because of financial constraints. However, PEPAS coordinates the Human Exposure Assessment Location (HEAL) project which is participated by China and Japan. The rroject promotes human exposure assessment as a basis for environmental contro strategies to protect human health. PEPAS continues promoting the HEAL project and encourages health agencies in Member States who are involved in environmental health management to participate in the project and benefit from receiving HEAL reports and project documents related to exposure assessment methodologies.
In collaboration with WHO Headquarters and with extrabudgetary funds made available by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), PEPAS plans to collaborate with the governments of Malaysia, Philippines and Viet Nam in conducting national workshops on environmental cpidemiology.
(d) General remarks
PEPAS should actively p8l"ticipate in international fora on environmental health problems and should stress the importance of sustainable development. PEPAS should coordinate with other international agencies to disseminate information on global environmental issues and to formulate policies and legislation in these areas. Ways of better using the expertise available at WHO collaborating centres and of generating extrabudgetary support for PEPAS activities should be explored.
PEPAS staff members have participated in various international meetings dealing with environmental health problems. Some of the meetings addressed environmentally sound and sustainable development.
PEPAS continued disseminating to Member States the information on newlyemerging global environmental issues such as global warming, depletion of the ozone layer and transboundary pollutio!1. The document on "Potential Health Effects of Climatic Change", recently published by WHO Headquarters will be distributed to Member Staters to inform them of the health effects of climatic change.
Expertise available at WHO collaborating centres are from time to time, made use of ta serve as short-term consultants and contractors for PEPAS technical cooperation activities and applied studies respectively. Extrabudgetary support amounting to US$915,877 was obtained from DANIDA, UNDP and the Government of Japan to implement five PEPAS activities during the review period.
7.2 Community water supply and sanitation
(a) Demonstration projects
More funds should be provided for applied studies and pilot projects to demonstrate the application of technology and for the supply of materials for these activities.
Durin~ the review period, four pilot studies have been implemented as demonstratIon projects. They are design and construction of gravity water supply schemes, and development of handpumps in Viet Nam, construction of latrine pro~rammes in Lao People's DemocratIc Republic, and the development of a prototype latrine in Kiribati (Christmas Island). Funds for these four pilot studies were partially used for the supply of the necessary materials including pipes, fittings, handpumps and cement. A fifth study of the movement of pollution from pit latrines to wells used as drinking water source in island atolls is presently being carried out in the Federated States of Micronesia. .
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(b) Activities beyond \h-; Decade
Water supply and sllnitation activities should continue to be a major component of PEP AS programmes beyond the end of the Decade in 1990. PEPAS should continue to facilitate consultation on activities between donor lIgencics and Member States of the Region. .
Water supply and sanitation activities will continue to be a major component of PEPAS programmes. Appropriate budget for water supply aad sanitation activities for the 1990s has been provided. Donor agencies were invJted to participate in a WHO Water Supply and Sanitation Consultative Meeting held in Suva in 1989. A compendIUm of projects for Pacific island countries was compiled at the meeting and PEPAS is actively seeking the cooperation of donor agencies to fund some of these projects. PEP AS also regularly invites donor agencies to attend its regional meetings on water supply and sanitation.
7.3 Environmental health in rural and urban development and housin&
(a) Improvement of environmental health in underserved areas
PEPAS should promote planning activities aimed at the improvement of environmental health in urban development and should initiate programmes to minimize the adverse environmental health impacts of the population drift from rural to urban areas.
A regional working group meeting on integration of environmental health into plannin~ for.urban development was held at PEPAS in early 1991. The meeting focused on mull1sectoral coordination, public participation and political support in improvement of the urban environment. As a result of the meeting, ten recommendations were made for activities to improve urban environmental health.
PEPAS collaborated with the Government of Malaysia in conducting a national workshop on health and housing in late 1989. The major emphasis of the workshop was on the improvement of environmental health in underserved areas, including slum and squatter settlements, many of them are populated by migrants from rural areas. PEPAS WIll continue to collaborate with other Member States to deal with the environmental health problems caused by the drift of population from rural to urban centres.
(b) Solid waste ma~a!:el11ent
PEPAS should support Member States in improving solid waste management, particularly in small and medium-sized cities.
A regional workshop on municipal solid waste management was conducted in PEPAS in early 1990. The workshop trained participants on the preparation of work plans for national solid waste management for their respective countries. Technical collaborative activities were carried out to assess municipal solid waste management practices in six small- to medium-sized cities in China, and six medium-sized cities in the Philippines. .
7.4 Control of environ me ntal health hazards
(a) Air quality managem::nt and noise abatement
PEPAS should promote a quality control programme between Member States 10 improve the validity of air quality monitoring data, lind should collaborate in the implementation of noise control activities.
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A project, funded by the Government of Japan, has been implemented by PEPAS which involved the audit of air monitoring stations in China, Malaysia and the . Philippines to improve the quality assurance of monitoring data. The relevant natIonal staff were briefed and trained on proper monitoring procedures and maintenance and calibration of air pollution monitoring equipment. With regard to noise control, PEPAS cooperated with Viet Nam to develop the protocol for a research study on industrial noise, the results of which will promote awareness of the adverse effects of noise pollution on workers' health. PEPAS also arranged for funds to co-sponsor two regional meetings on noise abatement and control, scheduled to be held in Brisbane in November 1991.
(b) Water Quality management
PEPAS should continue to promote the use ot an integrated approach to basinwide water quality managentent and strengthen its collaboration in wastewater treatment and disposal, particularly in marine outfall technology and appropriate technology for wastewater treatment in sntall- and medium-sized industries.· Drinking water quality surveillance and ntonitoring programmes should be prontoted particularly in rural areas. Meflsures to minimize/control the health risk associated with the use of nightsoil and wastewater for agriculture and aquaculture should be emphasized.
PEP AS continued the promotion of an integrated approach to basin-wide water quality management. In Chllla, PEP AS collaborated with the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) in conducting a national training course on watershed protection. Technical advisory services were provided to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on assessment of coastal pollution and marine outfall studies. In Malaysia, PEPAS cooperated in the development of package wastewater treatment plants for small- and medium-sized industnes.
With regard to drinking water quality monitoring and surveillanq:, a collaborative activity was carried out in China to promote the participation of women. In Malaysia, PEP AS cooperated in updating the national drinking water quality ~uidelines and in a national sanitary survey training course. Advisory services on drinklllg water quality monitoring were provided to Papua New Guinea and training courses on water treatment were conducted in three cities of Viet Nam. In China, an applied study on health assessment of nights oil and wastewater used in agriculture and aquaculture was completed. The study assessed health impacts and developed appropriate measures to milllmize/eliminate the health risks associated with the use of nightsoil/wastewater for agriculture and aquaculture. A national workshop on the same subject was held in June 1991 to disseminate the data/information obtained from the applied study and PEPAS provided a resource person to collaborate in this activity.
c) Toxic and hazardous substances management
Cooperation should be extended to Member States in developing emergency response plans for dealing with chemical accidents and in handling the issue of dumping of toxic and hazardous wastes, especially in Pacific island states.
Under the UNDP /WHO project on safety and control of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes, efforts were made to improve national capabilities in dealing with health risks associated with hazardous substances. Technical cooperation was carried out in Malaysia to develop an emergency response plan for a petrochemical complex. A national workshop implemented in Malaysia under the UNDP/WHO project also put chemical emergency response procedures on the agenda. Regarding the dumpin~ of hazardous wastes, PEPAS has provided concerned Member States with information and technical advice on potential health risks associated with such activities. PEPAS has collected and reviewed hazardous waste legislation available in the Pacific island
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countries, and is developing collaborative activities to strengthen national capability to control the import of such wastes.
7.5 Food safety
PEPAS should cooperate with Member States to develop the basic infrastructure to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate food safety programmes, and should identify external support for regional and national food safety projl~ctS.
PEPAS continued to support food safety control activities as mentioned earlier. Particular attention was given to the development of food safety legislation. External support was obtained from DANIDA to conduct a national training course in food safety in China and a sub-rel$ional training course for the Pacific island countries held in Suva, Fiji. Proposals for traming courses on food safety inspection, and research projects on pesticide residues in foods and safety control of street foods, have been prepared by PEPAS and donor agencies willing to fund these activities are being explored.
8. PROGRAMME SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT
8.1 Physical facilities
During the period under review, a car park was constf'Jcted adjacent to the PEPAS building by the authorities of the University of Agriculture, Malaysia (Universiti Pertanian Malaysia - UPM). The close proximity of the car park is convenient to staff members and Visitors, particularly during the rainy season. As a back-u~ in the event of a breakdown in the centml air-conditioning system, 2 split-unit air-conditioners were installed in the c'onference room. A signboard was also installed to facilitate visitors in locating the PEPAS building.
PEPAS continued to enjoy the facilities offered by UPM, e.g., the library, computer centre, language laboratories, c:Hering facilities, audio-visual equipment. PEPAS continued maintaining an amicable relationship with the management of UPM.
8.2 Staffing
Since the last meeting of the Advisory Committee, there were several changes in professional staff.
Dr P. Guo (acting Director) was appointed Director of PEPAS as of 1 December 1989. Dr D. Mage, Air Quality Management Adviser, was reassigned to WHO Headquarters on 15 January 1990. Dr K. Bentley, Chemical Safety Adviser and Dr G. Moy, Food Safety Adviser, resigned and left the Centre on 5 January 1990 and 27 February 1991 respectively.
The remaining staff members shouldered the duties of the vacant posts and short-term professionals, Dr P.S. Low (from 15 April to 14 June 1990 against the post of Air Quality Management Adviser), Dr W. Harrington (from 15 June to 18 July 1991 against the post of Chemical Safety Adviser) and Mr A. Hazzard (from 21 July to 20 October 1991 against the post of Food Safety Adviser) were recruited as an interim measure to relieve staff shortage.
On 15 August 1990, Mr S.P. Sanlana, Administrative Office, left PEPAS on reassignment and was replaced by Ms L.Y. Chan who reporteJ at PEPAS on 7 May 1990.
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Attempts were made to locate suitably qualified candidates for the vacant posts and the matter is being actively pursued. At the time of writing, formalities are almost completed for the recruitment of the Air Quality Management Adviser and Water Quality Management Adviser, both of whom are expected to report to PEP AS soon.
A list of the staff members is attached as Appendix 2.
8.3 Short-term consultants
As part of its programme, PEP AS provides the services of short-term consultants to Member States in the Region.
A total of 42 man-months of consultancies was utilized for the 1988-1989 biennium, after taking into account reprogramming. Of these 42 man-months, four man-months were devoted to group educational activities.
For 1990-1991,39 man-months are available of which 6 man-months are for four group educational activities. Details of the consultant assignments for the review period are found in Appendix 1.
8.4 ReiUlar budeet
In the past, the PEP AS regular budget mainly consisted of funds provided under the two projects, namely, Environmental Health in Rural and Urban Development and Housin2 (lCP /RUD/OO1) and Community Water Supply and Sanitation (ICP/CWS/OO5). Effective from the 1990-1991 bienmum, th~ project ICP/CWS/005 ceased to exist and merged with the project ICP /RUD/OOI.
For the 1988-1989 biennium, PEPAS received a total of US$2 059100 and for 1990-1991, US$2348 100. This represents a 14.04% increase. The funds provided are tabled below:
Table 6: Regular budgetary funds available to PEPAS (in US dollars)
1988-1989 1990-1991 Increase
Amount
ICP/RUD/OOI 1,693,000 2,348,100 655,100
ICP /CWS/005 366,100 - -
Total 2,059,100 2,348,100 289,000
%
38.70
-
14.04
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8.5 Extra-budgetaQ' support
In addition to the regular budgetary funds, PEPAS receives extra-budgetary support from other agencies. This is supplemented by an annual contribution of MSIOO,OOO (US$36,364)* from the Malaysian Government. The total extra-budgetary support received for the reporting period am(Junted to US$915,877.
Since the last reporting period, DAN IDA provided US$48,600 for the conduct of a Course in Food Safety in China in 1989 and USS67,SOO for a Food Safety Training Course for the Pacific Islands in Fiji in 1990.
The Japanese Government, under the Special Programme on Technolow Transfer, supported the work of PEPAS by contributing US$S6,000 for a RegIonal Workshop on Municipal Solid Waste Management and US$25,000 for a Regional Working Group on Water Supply Management. Both meetings were held at PEPAS in 1990. In addition, US$38,OOO and US$40,OOO have been earmarked for two regional workshops; one on Recycling and Resource Recovery for Municipal Solid Wastes to be held at the end of 1991 and the oll1'"r on Effective Management of Chemical Safety Information, in early 1992.
The Japan Shipbuilding Industry Foundation (JSIF) provided US$26,SOO for a Study on Improvement of Air Monitoring Systems ill the Western Pacific Region.
PEPAS carried out the UNDP-funded WHO-exccuted project on safety and control of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes which has a budget of US$498,050. Details on this project are found in section 5.3.3 of this report.
PEPAS also collaborated with WHO Headquarters by sharing resources for the following activities:
Pilot Study on Total Diet Survey in China, 14 October - 8 November 1990 (WHO Headquarters provided US$3,500 from the GEMS/Food project and the WHO Regional Office provided US$4,600.)
Domestic Water Supply in Gansu, China, 7-19 October 1990 (WHO Headquarters supported the travel costs of a PEPAS staff member for the activity from the World Food Programme fund.)
National Workshop on Health Impact of Industrial Emissions in Viet Nam, 15-19 October 1990 (WHO Headquarters provided the services of a Headquarters staff member while PEPAS funded the services of a consultant.)
Regional Workshop on Health and Technical Aspects of Nightsoil and Wastewater Use, PEPAS, 24-28 September 1990 (WHO Headquarters provided US$40,000 for the meeting.)
* Rate of exchange: US$1 = M$2.7S
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8.6 Other administrative matters
8.6.1 Transport
A Toyota Cressida was purchased in October 1989 to replace the Toyota Cressida Station wagon. The station wagon was retained to accommodate the increasing demand for transportation.
8.6.2 Audio-visual supplies
PEPAS added to its inventory a Pentax zoom camera and a Sharp computer projection panel. The latter, when used with a standard overhead projector, transfers an enlarged image from the computer screen onto a prvjection screen. This equipment enables participants in workshops and meetings to view computer projections without having to crowd around the computer.
8.6.3 Upgrading of PEPAS computer /information/communication facilities
In its efforts to improve efficiency through the use of modern technology, PEPAS purchased the following equipment:
1. Four Hyundai microcomputers One Mltac microcomputer Six Optima microcomputers
2. Two Hewlett Packard laser printers
3. Four NEC printers Two Epson printers
4. Three NEC data switch boxes and cables for printers
5. One multi-tech modem
6. One Microsoft serial mouse for storyboard software
.7. Five Uninterruptable power supply units (UPS)
During the last reporting period one laptop computer was purchased for the use of PEPAS staff members while on duty travel. It was so useful that another laptop, the . Toshiba T1200 was acquired.
To avoid being rendered incommunicado il' times of power failure, a voltage regulator was purchased which gives a four-hour electricity back-up supply to the telephone system.
8.6.4 Regional Information System IRIS)/Projt'ct Activities Monitoring (PAM)
An innovative and comprehensive management tool known as the Regional Information System (RIS) has been developed by the Regional Office to provide essential information on WHO project activities. The system contains various data bases for monitoring WHO activities, one of which is Project Activities Monitoring (PAM).
PAM has been successfully used by PEPAS since May 1990 to monitor the implementation of its activities. The PAM data are updated regularly both at PEPAS and the Regional Office, and diskettes are exchanged to ensure a continuous flow of the latest information between the two offices.
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APPENDIX 1
LIST OF PEPAS ACTIVITIES (July 1989 - June 1991)
Activity Carried out by ~
BRUNEIDARUSS~
1. Participation in World Health Day Seminar P.Guo 8-10 Oct on Environment and Health, and 1990 discussions on collaborative activities
CHINA
1. Advisory services on reduction of fluoride A. Waugh 20 Aug-ash emissions from domestic coal 20 Sep 1989 combustion, IEHE/CAPM
2. Collaboration in the conduct of a R. Davies, 7-20 Sep DANIDA/WHO training course in food E. Erdman, 1989 safety, MOPH G.Moy&
N. Skovgaard
3. Collaboration in the conduct of a T. Kjellstrom 23-28 Oct training worksh~ on environmental D. Mage & 1989 epidemiology, I HE/CAPM L. Punnett
4. Collaboration in the condllct a training Anhar Suki & 13-25 Nov course in management of wastewater c.P. Hwang 1989 treatment facilities, CRAES
5. Collaboration in the conduct of a K. Campbell 27 Nov-traininr, course in drinking water quality & E. Lee 9 Dec 1989 surveil ance, MOPH
6. Collaboration in the conduct of a training M. Eyles & 4-8 Dec , course in shellfish sanitation, MOPH S. Thrower 1989
7. . Participation in an international P. Guo 12-18 Feb workshop on the control of environmental 1990 pollution in China
8. Collaboration in the conduct of a workshop J. Male, 11-22 Jun on systems analysis for management and M. Nakamura, 1990 planning of urban environmental systems. & H.Ogawa IEHE/CAPM
9. Advisory services on food safety H.H.Kim 15 Jul-during the 1990 Asian Games, BMG 12 Aug 1990
10. Advisory services on development of W. Hunt 23 Aug-air. qualtty indices, IEHM/CAPM 16 Sep 1990
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Actiyity Carried out by ~
11. Assessment of solid waste management in H.Ogawa 16 Sep-small- to medium-sized cities, 15 Oct 1990 MOC,ONPHC
12. Advisory services on water s\Q,ptic and B. Fisher 7-19 Oct 1990 sanitation aspects of Chinaj or d Food Proy,ramme roject in Gansu Province, ON HCC
13. Advisory services on ~i1ot study on the J. Jones 14 Oct-total diet survey, INF jCAPM 8 Nov 1990
14. Review of ChinajUNDP jWorld Bank B. Fisher 19-26 Oct 1990 low-cost rural water supply and sanitation project in Xinjiang Province, MOPH
15. Advisory services to develop a national C.Jacobson 3 Nov-programme for the control of potentially 2 Dec 1990 toxic consumer products, IEHMjCAPM
16. Collaboration in the conduct of a T. Shen& 7-14 Dec 1990 training workshop on hazardous waste management, CRAESjNEPA
J. Spickett
17. Preparation of a country profile on safety and control of toxic chemicals and
T.Shen 8-30 Mar 1991
hazardous wastes, MOC)
18. Collaboration in the conduct of a training A.L. Brown 20-31 May 1991 course on environmental plannin~ ~)f & G. McDonald medium and small-sized cities, C AES
COOK ISLANDS
1. Advisory services on the dcvel0pment B. Fisher 19-24 Mar 1991 sewerage system for Avarua, MOH
ruI
1. Advisory services Oil environmental impact H.Ogawa 3-21 Jul 1989 assessment and management prorramme and solid waste programme, MO I
2. Advisory services on air quality , management, MOll
D. Mage 20 Aug-1 Sep 1989
3. Advisory services on a survey of G. Fletcher 22 Nov-shellfish sanitation, MOB 13 Dec 1989
4. Advisory services on technology for H. Bavor 20 Nov-treatment of piggery wastes, MOH 9 Dec 1989
5. Advisory services on management of s. Hunter 19 Nov-environmental health equipment, FSM 19 Dec 1989
- 77-
Activity Carried Qut by Date
6. Field visit to discuss food safety, MOH G.Moy 3-6 Apr 1990
7. Advisory services on development of P. Psaila- 3-23 Oct 1990 occupatJonal health and safety Savona services, MOH
8. Field visit to assess collaborative activities P.Guo 12-15 Nov 1990 in environmental health, MOH .
9. Collaboration in the conduct of a workshop H. Ogawa 2-8 Feb 1991 on solid waste management, MOH
10. Advis07e services on development of R. Bhat 20 May-food sa ety legislation, MOH 29 Jun 1991
KIRIBATI
1. Field visit to discuss food safety, MOHFP G.Moy 15-18 Apr 1990
2. Field visit to assess collaborative activi ties P.Guo 21-23 Nov 1990 in environmental health, MOHFP
LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLI£
1. Advisory services to CiJoreerate in the further G. Moy 3-9 Nov 1989 development of food sa ety initiatives, including the preparation of dlaft food safety legislatJon, NIHE
2. Collaboration in the conduct of a workshop D. Campbell 27 Aug-on solid waste management, MOB & H.Ogawa 1 Sep 1990
3. Field visit to selected provinces to review H. Ogawa 3-6 Sep 1990 solid wa~te management programmes
• MALAYSIA
1. Collaboration in the conduct of a training K. Bentley & 27 Nov-workshop on develoK1ment of poison WHO/HQ 1 Dec 1989 control centres, UK /MOH staff
2. Advisory services on management of Y. Kamikawa 5 Nov-equipment for collection, transport and 5 Dec 1989 disposal of solid waste, MHLG
3. Collaboration in the conduct of a workshop G. Goldstein 7-8 Dec 1989 on health and housing, MHLG & H. Ogawa
4. Advisory services on the sewerage and G. Burns 8-31 Jan 1990 urban sanitation development programme, MOH/MHLG
5. Participation in a workshop and case study H.Ogawa 20-23 Aug 1990 on environmental risk assessment, lNTAN
- 78-
Activity
6. Advisory services ~Jl1 air dispersion modelling, DOE
7. Advisory services on development of package wastewater treatment plants
8. Advisory services on environmental health in urban settlements, MNRD
9. Advisory services on air quality management, DOE
10. Advisory services on chemical safety management, DOE
11. Advisory services on deveiopment of guidelines for hospital waste disposal, MOH
12. Advisory services on food safety management, MOB
13. Preparation of a country profile on safety and control of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes, DOE
14. Collaboration in the conduct of a workshop on safety and control of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes, DOE
MARSHALL ISLANDS
1. Field visit to discuss food safety, MOHS
2. Advisory services on development of a solid waste milllifement master-plan for Majuro, MO S
MICRONESIA. FEDERATED STATES OF
1. Field visit to disclIss food safety, DHR
2. Advisory services on sanitation improvements for cholera prevention in Chuuk State, DHS
3. Advisory services on development of a solid waste management master plan for Pohnpei, DHR
PALAU
1. Field visit to discuss food safety, BHS
. . ,
Carried .>lIt by
P.S. Low
P. Guo
H. Ogawa
D. Mage
K. Bentley
K. Bentley
G. Moy
P. Dougas
P Dougas & D. Barnes
G.Moy
H. Ogawa
G.Moy
B. Fisher
H.Ogawa
G.Moy
~
Intermittent input
Intermittent input
Intermittent input
Intermittent input
Intermittent input
Intermittent input
Intermittent input
26 Nov-6 Dec and 21 Apr-3 May 1991
10-13 Jun 1991
19-21 Apr 1990
7-14 Apr 1991
22-26 Apr 1990
24-30 Jun 1990
23 Mar-7 Apr 1991
27-28 Apr 1990
-.. ~" . . ,'r: ,
,1;i~
-79 -
Activity Carried , out by ~ "
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
1. Advisory services on drinking water I. Wallis 11-29 Jul 1989 quality monitoring, Water Board, MOH/WB .
" 2. Advisory services on inspection and control R. Miller 5 Jul-of imported food, DOH 26 Aug 1989
3. Collaboration in the conduct of a workshop B. Fisher 300ct-on water and sanitation, DOH 3 Nov 1989
4. Advisory services on control of sea B. Fisher 17 Feb-pollution by excreta di~osal in 3 Mar 1990 ,coastal housing areas, OH
PHILIPPINES
1. Adviso:r services on development of a H.Ogawa 14 Mar-nationa plan for solid waste management, 13 Apr 1990 EMB
2. Advisory services on risk assessment and M. Rowe 2 Jul-management, EMB 1 Aug 1990
3. Adviso:r services on strengthening of G. Moy 210ct-nationa food safety programmes, BFAD 9 Nov 1990
4. Advisory services on marine pollution J. O'Connor 3 Nov-• monitoring. EMB 15 Dec 1990
5. Collaboration in the conduct of a training A.l3rown & 12-23 Nov 1990 course on environmental impact assessment, H. Ogawa EMB
6. Advisory services on computerization of air P.e. Manins 3 Feb-quality statistical data, EMB 16 Mar 1991
7. Advisory services on motor vehicle emission control, EMB
J.e. Elston 2-30 Mar 1991
8. Advisory services in toxic chemicals A. Liem 30 Mar-and hazardous waste management, EMB 30 Apr 1991
SINGAPORE
1. Prd':aration of a country profile on s;,fc!ty R. Graham 13-28 Jan 1991 an control of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes, MOE
SOWMON ISLANDS
1. Advisory services on development of a N. Litidamu 14 Jul-curriculum for an environmental health 20 Aug 1989 course, MOHMS
- 80-
Activity Carried out by Date
2. Advisory services on assessment of I. Wallis 6-21 Dec 1989 coastal pollution and marine outfall studies, MOHMS
3. Advisory services on i~rovement of solid H.Ogawa 1-15 Feb 1990 waste management in oniara, MOHMS
4. Advisory services on the development of a H. Ogawa 27 Jan-solid waste landfill, waste generation 1 Feb 1991 survey and recycling and resource recovery methods, MOHMS
TONGA
1. Advisory services on i~rovement of solid H.Ogawa 19-31 Jal). 1990 waste management in uku'alofa, MOH
2. Field visit to discuss food safety, MOB G. Moy 7-10 Apr 1990
3. Field visit to assess collaborative activities P. Guo 16-20 Nov 1990 in environmental health, MOB
TUVALU
1. Field visit to discuss food safety, MOIl G.Moy 11-13 Apr 1990
VANUATU
1. Advisory services on relocati;m of solid waste-landfill site, MOH
H.Ogawa 4-11 Aug 1990
VIETNAM
l. Advisory services on food ~:tfety programme review, MOH
G. Moy 16 Oct-2 Nov 1989 -2. Collahoration in the conduct of a workshop B. Fisher & 13-18 Nov 1989
on appropriate technology for water and K.M. Yao sanitation, MOH
3. Collaboration in the conduct of training courses on water quality monitoring and upgrading of water treatment plants, MOH
B. Fisher & K. Waterhouse
2-14 Sep 1990
4. Collaboration in the conduct of a workshop on health impact of industrial emissions. MOH
T. Kjeilstrom 8-19 Oct 1990 & L.Rosenstock
5. Collaboration in the conduct of a training B. Fisher & 10-21 Dec 1990 course on practical aspects of environmental H.Ogawa science and technology, VITTEP
6. Participation in a conference on development of a national environmental action plan
H. Ogawa 3-6 Dec 1990
-- 81 -
Actiyity Carried out by ~ -
REGIO~AL AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ACnYlTlES
l. Collaboration in the conduct of a rercional N. Carefoot, 21-25 Aug 1989 workshop on human resources deve opment B. Fisher & for water and sanitation programmes H. Gibson -
2. Development of a training package for a J.Male 13 Dec 1989-systems approach to planning, design, 11 Jan 1990 operation and maintenance of urban environmental health systems
3. Participation in the seventh session of the G.Moy 5-12 Feb 1990 Codex Alimentarius Commission Rtgional ~oordinating Committee for Asia, Chiang Mai, Thailand
4. Collaboration in the conduct of a regional H.Orwa, 26 Feb-workshop on municipal soHd waste K. Sa urai & 2 Mar 1990 management, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia K. Sinha
5. Participation in a UNDP meeting on B. Fisher & 17-21 Apr 1990 environmental mana~ement and sustainable H. Ogawa development in Sout Pacific islands, Suva, Fiji
6. Participation in an ESCAP expert group P. Guo 30 Apr-meetin~ on the report of the state of 4 May 1990 the environment in Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand - 7. Participation in the first session of the Codex Coordinating Committee for North America and the South-West Pacific,
G.Moy 30 Apr-4 May 1990
Honolulu, Hawaii
8. Participation in the first meeting of the P.Guo 19-21 Jun 1990 WHO Commission on health and the environment, Geneva, Switzerland
9. Collaboration in the conduct of a reglonal M. Jackson 27-30 Aug 1990 seminar on food safety legislation, D. Jayasuriya
-- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia &G.Moy
10. Cosponsorship of and particifation in First G.Moy 2-7 Sep 1990 Asian conference on food sa ety, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
11. Participation in a global cOIl~ultation I3. Fisher 10-14 Sep 1990 on safe water and sanitation for the 1990s, New Delhi, India
12. Collaboration in the conduct of a regional B. Fisher 24-28 Sep 1990 workshop on health and te(~hnical aspects of I. He~anhol nightsoil and wastewater use, Kuala Lumpur, S.R. iu & Malaysia A. Saqer
--
- 82-
Activity Carried out by Date -
13. Collaboration in the conduct of a regional B. Fisher & 5-9 Nov 1990 working group meeting on water supply K Tomono management, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
14. Collaboration in the conduct of a K Leigton, 3-14 Dec 1990 WHO/DAN IDA food safety training Y. Motarjemi, course for the Pacific islands, N. Skovgaard Suva, Fiji &G.Moy
15. Participation in an ESCAP Ministerial- P.Guo 10-16 Oct 1990 level conference on environment and 'development in Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand
,..."
16. Participation in an ESCAP meetin! of 1'. Guo 13-19 Feb 1991 senior officials on environment an development in Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok,Thaiiand
,...,
17. Collaboration in the conduct of a regidnal KS. Lee, 25 Feb-working group on inte~ration of H. Ogawa, 1 Mar 1991 environm~ntal health mto planning for R. Simpson & urban development, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia S. Tamplin
,..."
18. Visit to selected Pacific island B. Fisher 24 Mar-countries to monitor coverage of water supply and sanitation facilities
16 Apr 1991
19. Collaboration in the conduct of a regional A. Anderson, 6-10 May 1991 workshop on operation and maintenance of B. Fisher & -water supply and sanitation systems J.Hueb
20. Coordination of the UNEP /WHO Global PEPAS staff Continually Environmental Monitorin~ System (GEMS) air quality monitoring project
21. Coordination of the GEMS water quality PEPAS staff Continually monitoring project
22. Coordination of the GEMS food PEPAS staff Continually contamination monitoring project -23. Coordination of the GEMS human exposure PEPAS staff Continually assessment locations (HEAL) project
24. Environmental information service PEPAS staff Continually programme -
Abbreviations used:
BFAD BHS BMG CAPM CRAES DHR DHS DOE EMB FSM IEHE IEHM INFH INTAN MHLG MOC MOCI MOE MOH MOHFP MOHMS MOHS MOPH MNRD NIHE ONPHCC SCS SIRIM UKM VITfEP
WB
- 83-
Bureau of Food and Drugs Bureau of Health Services Be~ing Municipal Government Chmese Academv vf Preventive Medicine Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences Department of Human Resources Department of Health Services Department of Environment Environmental Management Bureau Fiji School of Medicine Institute of Environmental Health Engineering Institute of Environmental Health Monitoring Institute of Nutrition and Food Hysiene National Institute of Public Administration Ministry of Housing and Local Government Ministry of Construction Ministry of Chemical Industry Ministry of Environment Ministry of Health Ministry of Health and Family Planning Ministry of Health and Medical Services Ministry of Health Services Ministry of Public Health Ministry of National ami Rural Development National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology ·Office of the National Plitriotic Health Campaign Committee State Committee for Sciences Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia National University of Malaysia Vietnam Institute of Tropical Technology and Environmental Protection Water Board
DrP. Guo
Technical StatT:
- 85 -
PEPASSTAFF As at 31 July 1991
Director (from 1 December 1989)
Chemical Safety Adviser (until 4 January 1990) Sanitary Engineer
APPENDIX 2
Dr K. Bentley Mr B. Fisher Dr D. Mage DrG.Moy DrH.Ogawa
Air Quality Management Adviser (untii 15 January 1990) Food Safety Adviser (until 26 February 1991) Environmental Systems Engineer
Administrative StatT:
Mr S.P. Sardana Ms L.Y. Chan
Administrative Officer (until 14 August 1990) Administrative Officer (from 7 May 1990)
Programme SupPOrt StatT:
MsY.M. Tan Special Assistant
Secretaries:
Ms Normah Mahmod MsM.R. Tan Ms L.M. Lai Ms M. Pieris
Drivers:
Mr Shahruddin Asmuni Mr Masim Satarum