Inclusion of Health in Impact Assessment: A Review of Current Practice in Sub-Saharan Africa

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Dominik DietlerMirko S Winkler

Abstract

Natural resource extraction projects, including those in the mining sector, have various effects on human health and wellbeing, with communities in resource-rich areas in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) being particularly vulnerable. While impact assessments (IA) can predict and mitigate negative effects, it is unclear whether and to what extent health aspects are included in current IA practice in SSA. For collecting IA reports, we contacted 569 mining projects and 35 ministries regulating the mining sector. The reports obtained were complemented by reports identified in prior research. The examination of the final sample of 44 IA reports revealed a heavy focus on environmental health determinants and included health outcomes were often limited to a few aspects, such as HIV, malaria and injuries. The miniscule yield of reports (1.6% of contacted projects) and the low response rate by the contacted mining companies (18%) might indicate a lack of transparency in the IA process of the mining sector in SSA. To address the shortcomings identified, policies regulating IA practice should strengthen the requirements for public disclosure of IA reports and promote a more comprehensive inclusion of health in IA, be it through stand-alone healt...Continue Reading

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Apr 30, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Mirko S WinklerAstrid M Knoblauch

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Citations

Apr 30, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Mirko S WinklerAstrid M Knoblauch

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