55% of the world population lives in urban areas. This is expected to increase to 68% by 2050 (according to the UN). This requires proper urban planning, where building construction and destruction are organised, sewage and garbage disposal is managed, and water supplies are well-preserved.
Unplanned urbanisation can lead to many challenges for public health and the epidemiology of infectious diseases. New megacities can be incubators for new epidemics, and zoonotic diseases can spread in a more rapid manner and become worldwide threats. Inadequate water supplies, as well as sanitation and waste management, can provide a breeding ground for different rodents and insects, which carry pathogens and soil-transmitted helminth infections.
Cooperation between pest management professionals and public authorities can be a powerful partnership to improve global health and decrease the burden of communicable diseases.
CEPA fully encourages collaboration between its members and local authorities to:
1) improve disaster-risk preparedness
2) implement pest reduction and management strategies
3) develop new climate and disaster-resilient approaches.