Public health experts have called on governments at all levels to prioritise environmental cleanliness and public hygiene rather than relying solely on vaccination to promote healthy living.

The appeal was made during the 10th National Conference on Environment and Health, organised by the Living Sciences Foundation at the University of Ilesa, Osun State.

The two-day event brought together researchers, academics, and policymakers to discuss pressing environmental health challenges.

A former Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University and meteorology specialist, Professor Debo Adeyewa, stressed the need for government focus on environmental health and balanced nutrition as the foundation for disease prevention.

“God has provided everything we need to build natural immunity. The food we eat is medicine and a form of immunisation. God has created immunity through the environment,” he said.

Adeyewa warned against overdependence on vaccines, noting that while vaccination is beneficial, it could be misused.

“Vaccination is not bad in itself, but it can be abused. We are not condemning vaccination; we are saying that certain processes can be misapplied,” he added.

He further highlighted the dangers of contaminated water and poor sanitation, emphasising their significant role in disease outbreaks. He called for collective efforts and interventions to ensure a clean and safe environment.

In his remarks, former Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Professor Dapo Asaju, underscored the link between health, environment, and theology.

“This Living Sciences Conference reveals the realities of sciences, where people are challenged to be better doctors and healers of a world that is sick and in need of right actions,” he stated.

President of the Living Sciences Foundation, Professor Joshua Ojo, a health physics and environmental specialist, emphasised the importance of collaboration in managing environmental health.

“Environmental health issues should not be treated in isolation. We have various sectors, and that’s why we advocate a multi-disciplinary approach to address these challenges. This National Conference serves as a platform to unite stakeholders,” he said.

Professor Ojo also stressed the need for education, advocacy, and coordinated government action to maintain a healthy environment.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, the institution’s ICT Director, Oladipo Folorunsho, commended the Foundation for hosting the event at the university.

He described the conference as a vital avenue for promoting environmental awareness and sustainable health practices.

“The goal is to explore how we can make our environment more friendly and embrace habits that support healthy living. This conference leads the way in advocating for such change,” Folorunsho said.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility, adding, “We practise green culture on our campus. We don’t cross lawns. We promote health education and human kinetics, alongside other initiatives aimed at improving human health.”