Environmental and health effects of solid waste dumpsites in Wadajir District, Mogadishu, Somalia

Abstract

Solid waste dumpsites are areas where waste is thrown away, stored, and disposed of. Improper solid waste dumpsites pose a major risk to both human health and the environment. The objective of this paper is to study the environmental and health effects of a solid waste dumpsite in Wadajir District, Mogadishu, Somalia. The study utilized a prospective case-control analytic approach as well as a cross-sectional study to assess the impact of these dumpsites on the environment. The findings of the study revealed that in Wadajir district, the majority of people believed that improper solid waste management leads to water and air pollution; similarly, in Dharkeynley district, the majority of respondents believed that improper solid waste management leads to water and air pollution. The study has also revealed in Wadajir district that the majority of the population was affected by malaria during the last six weeks, while in Dharkeynley district, the majority of the population was also affected by this disease, showing that there is a significant association between improper waste disposal and the transmission of malaria. These findings demonstrate that solid waste management is a crucial issue that affects both the environment and human health in the district. The study paper recommends protecting public and environmental health by reducing risks caused by improper solid waste management. It suggests opening landfills in remote areas without habitation and proper monitoring to minimize the impact on nearby residents.