Planetary and human health are interconnected
There is an undeniable link between the health of our planet and human longevity. Humans can only be as healthy as the environment in which they live. Thinking back to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Disaster in 2010, 210 million gallons of crude oil were spilled into the Gulf of Mexico. This tragedy did not only end in the death of 11 workers, with 17 injured, but citizens of the area experienced lung, kidney, heart and mental health problems for years afterwards.
Pollution is one of the most significant threats to human health, responsible for one in six deaths globally, according to a recent review. Data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Project showed air pollution alone caused almost 75% of these deaths. In January 2023, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Los Angeles, found that 371,000 Californians are drinking water that may contain high levels of chromium-6, or chemicals like arsenic and nitrate. These chemicals can cause significant health problems. The researchers found disproportionate harm to communities of colour and emphasised that the results of the study likely understated the number of people affected by unsafe drinking water.
Air pollution, water contamination and toxic chemical exposure are all linked to human disease and lead to increased pressure on already overburdened health systems around the world. It is also important to note that developing countries are disproportionately affected by environmental disasters compared to the developed world due to resource limitations and the economic impact of issues like oil spills on the local area. To achieve Health for All, we need to tackle inequality head on.
At Huma, we believe that everyone should have an opportunity to attain their highest level of health. We work with governments, hospital groups, universities, life science and technology companies to reduce health inequities and help people live longer, fuller lives via research and digital-first healthcare delivery.
Connie Di Gennaro, Chief of Staff
Preventing disease
Preventative health is the best kind of healthcare, and this is no different when it comes to the planet. Tackling environmental issues could help to prevent chronic diseases like asthma and COPD.
According to Asthma + Lung UK, hospital admissions of people with lung conditions increase when air pollution levels rise. Between 2017 and 2019, London’s poor air quality led to more than 1,700 hospital admissions for asthma and serious lung conditions. While it’s not exclusively our responsibility as individuals, I am permanently shocked at the reticence from people to make any changes at all to their personal carbon footprint, even when presented with these figures.
Striving for health equity
Countries with fewer resources are more vulnerable to the effects of pollution and climate change. The latest research shows that more than 90% of deaths caused by air pollution occur in low- and middle-income countries such as India and Nigeria. Health for All cannot be achieved if some countries and populations are disproportionately affected by environmental threats, while also having poorer access to healthcare.
At Huma, we believe that everyone should have an opportunity to attain their highest level of health. We work with governments, hospital groups, universities, life science and technology companies to reduce health inequities and help people live longer, fuller lives via research and digital-first healthcare delivery.
Achieving Health for All requires us to consider planetary health as an essential component of healthcare. We must take action to reduce pollution, promote sustainable practices, and tackle inequities to reduce burden on health systems and ensure that everyone has access to a healthy future.
Further reading: How digital-first care is improving health equity
