The family living environment: essential for health

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Extract from the article: In African societies in general, and Togolese societies in particular, health does not depend solely on medical care. It is strongly influenced by the family living environment, that is to say, the setting in which family members live their daily...

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In African societies in general, and Togolese societies in particular, health does not depend solely on medical care. It is strongly influenced by the family living environment, that is to say, the setting in which family members live their daily lives.

The family living environment refers to the overall material, social and environmental conditions in which a family lives. It includes, amongst other things: housing (quality, space, ventilation), access to drinking water and sanitation, domestic hygiene, diet, the immediate environment (neighbourhood, pollution, nuisances), family relationships and the social climate. 

The living environment is the primary space for living and learning, directly influencing physical and mental well-being.

Living environment and health

An unsuitable living environment can be the cause of many diseases. For example, in Togo, periods of rain and flooding lead to stagnant water, which is conducive to the proliferation of mosquitoes responsible for malaria and other waterborne diseases. Similarly, the lack of adequate latrines or poor waste management in many homes can lead to diarrhoeal diseases such as cholera.

In terms of nutrition, an unbalanced diet linked to family habits or economic constraints can contribute to malnutrition or diseases such as diabetes. A stressful family environment characterised by quarrels, conflicts, insecurity and rivalry, particularly in communal living spaces, can affect mental health, especially in children.

Conversely, a healthy living environment helps prevent disease, strengthen the immune system and improve quality of life.

Improving your living environment

There are several simple measures, tailored to the Togolese context, that can be implemented:

Improve hygiene: wash your hands regularly, keep your home clean, cover food

Improve the environment: avoid standing water, manage household waste properly

Access safe drinking water: use safe or treated water (boiled or filtered)

Adopting a balanced diet: prioritising local produce (vegetables, fruit, cereals)

Ventilating homes: reducing the risk of respiratory infections

Strengthening family ties: encouraging dialogue and a peaceful atmosphere

It is also essential to raise awareness among families about prevention through vaccination, the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, and to promote health education. Local authorities and communities also play a key role in improving living conditions by ensuring access to safe drinking water, improving waste management and urban planning.

The family environment is a fundamental pillar of health. By recognising its importance and adopting good practices, every family can help protect and improve the health of its members.

Gamé KOKO

Source: WHO