Unmasking the Environmental Health Burdens on South African Children: Insights from the Western Cape

 

The talk titled "Environmental health impacts due to pesticides and air pollution among children in South Africa" was delivered by Professor Aquiel Dalvie. The event was organized by Associate Professor Mrs D. Goburdhun from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Mauritius. The talk took place on Thursday, 29th May 2025 in Room 3.3 at the University of Mauritius, Reduit. Prof Dalvie was the External Examiner for the BSc (Hons) Environmental Health and Food Hygiene of the 2023 cohort.

 

Assoc Prof D.Goburdhun presenting a token of appreciation to Prof A.Dalvie

1. General Context of Environmental Health Risks

Global Health Burden

• The presentation highlights data from a WHO Report (2016) which estimates that about 23% of global deaths and 22% of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs)—a measure combining mortality and morbidity—are directly linked to environmental factors.

• Globally, this equates to around 12.6 million deaths annually, which could potentially be reduced significantly by addressing modifiable environmental risks.

Key Environmental Risk Factors

The primary environmental risks contributing to this health burden include:

• • Poor water sanitation and hygiene
  • Other factors such as noise, unsafe housing conditions, radiation exposure, and poor land management.
  • Indoor air pollution from cooking fuels.
  • Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke
  • Ambient (outdoor) air pollution
  • Exposure to harmful chemicals (e.g., pesticides)
  • Climate change

These factors vary significantly by region, with sub-Saharan Africa experiencing particularly high numbers of environment-related deaths.

 2. Pesticide Use and its Health Impacts in South Africa

High Usage of Agrichemicals

• South Africa is the largest user of pesticides within sub-Saharan Africa, employing over 3000 different pesticide products, including approximately 700 active compounds.

• Notably, many of these pesticides are banned or restricted in developed countries due to significant health concerns.

Health Impacts from Pesticides

The presentation outlines significant health concerns linked to pesticide exposure, particularly due to their potential as:

• Endocrine disruptors: Chemicals interfering with hormone systems, potentially affecting growth, reproductive development, and metabolic processes.

• Neurotoxic substances: Chemicals harming the nervous system, causing cognitive and behavioral issues, particularly in children.

• Carcinogens: Substances that increase the risk of cancer.

• Contributors to respiratory illnesses and reproductive disorders.

Evidence of Exposure in the Western Cape

• Studies conducted in Western Cape agricultural areas showed clear differences in pesticide exposure between farm children and non-farm children.

• Urinary metabolite measurements (dialkyl phosphates, DAPs), indicators of organophosphate pesticide exposure, were significantly higher among farm children, showing direct exposure differences linked to living or activities on farms.

Reproductive Health Concerns

• Higher pesticide exposure (evidenced by urinary DAP levels) correlated with alterations in hormonal profiles, including:

  • Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Critical for sexual development.

  • Testosterone and estradiol: Essential for puberty and sexual maturation.

• These hormonal disruptions potentially impact sexual maturation and reproductive capabilities among exposed children.

Activities Leading to High Exposure

• Farm-related activities that contribute significantly to pesticide exposure include:

  • Spraying, mixing, and loading pesticides.

  • Fruit picking, storage, burning, and cleaning equipment.

• Leisure activities adding to pesticide exposure:

  • Eating fruits directly from pesticide-treated fields.

  • Playing, swimming, or bathing in contaminated water bodies nearby agricultural areas

3. Intervention Strategies and Policy Recommendations for Pesticide Exposure

Given these concerns, several critical interventions were suggested:

• Improved protective measures: Utilizing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers involved in pesticide applications.

• Reduction in pesticide usage: Advocating alternatives such as integrated pest management (IPM), reduced pesticide dependency, or safer pesticide options.

• Educational and awareness programs: Enhancing community understanding about the health risks associated with pesticides.

• Surveillance and monitoring programs: Regular health checks and bio-monitoring of affected populations.

• Strengthened legislation and regulatory enforcement: To restrict the use of harmful pesticides and manage their proper application and disposal.

• Enhanced healthcare accessibility: Improving access to health care facilities for early diagnosis and treatment of pesticide-related health issues.

4. Air Pollution and Respiratory Health among Children

Context and Significance

• Despite many ambient air pollution-related deaths occurring in low-to-middle-income countries, including South Africa, most research data comes from developed countries.

• Informal settlements in South Africa, characterized by poor housing conditions, overcrowding, and limited sanitation facilities, experience disproportionately higher exposure to air pollution and related health impacts.

Cohort Study Findings

The presentation highlighted a robust cohort study conducted among primary-school children in four informal settlements in Western Cape, South Africa.

Study Methods:

• Air pollution exposure was assessed by measuring annual average concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) using land-use regression models tailored specifically for the study areas.

• Health outcomes measured included respiratory symptoms, asthma indicators, and lung function.

Main Findings:

• Ambient NO₂ exposure, even below international air quality guidelines, was significantly associated with increased new asthma-related outcomes among children. Symptoms included wheezing, airway inflammation, and ocular-nasal symptoms.

Limitations of the Study:

• Short follow-up duration (12 months), limiting the ability to identify long-term health outcomes.

• Limited precision in exposure assessment due to use of distant monitoring stations and variability issues in air pollutant modeling.

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5. Policy and Research Recommendations for Air Quality

To mitigate air pollution impacts, particularly in vulnerable populations, the following actions were recommended:

• Revision of current air quality standards to better protect vulnerable populations, like children in informal settlements.

• Improvement of housing structures and urban design to reduce pollutant infiltration indoors.

• Educational programs at community levels, emphasizing environmental management and reducing personal exposure.

• Provision of real-time air quality information and allergy alerts to allow vulnerable groups to take protective measures.

• Reducing exposure through urban planning: Increasing green spaces and reducing commuting distances or exposure routes, such as schools and playgrounds located away from heavy traffic zones.

• Enhanced air quality monitoring infrastructure to capture accurate exposure levels and inform targeted interventions.

Additionally, the study recommended further research with:

• Longer-term follow-up studies for clearer understanding of chronic impacts.

• Improved exposure assessment techniques to provide more accurate data for policymaking.

Conclusion and Implications

Overall, the presentation strongly emphasizes the substantial environmental health risks posed by pesticides and air pollution, particularly affecting children in South Africa. It highlights critical evidence-based insights and provides clear policy and intervention guidelines to mitigate these risks, recommending targeted educational programs, protective regulations, robust monitoring systems, and comprehensive research approaches to safeguard public health, particularly among vulnerable communities.

Celebrating a Legacy: Farewell to Professor Sunita Facknath of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Mauritius

Prof Facknath with Assoc Prof J. Govinden Soulange, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture 

Today, all the faculty staff gathered at the cafeteria of the University of Mauritius to honour and bid a heartfelt farewell to Professor Sunita Facknath as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement from the university. This special occasion was marked by a warm atmosphere where everyone took a moment to express their gratitude through small speeches or thank-you notes dedicated to Professor Facknath. Her quiet composure has always been an inspiring presence within the academic community, and her significant achievements in advancing agricultural production have left an indelible mark on both students and colleagues alike. Click here for her speech and email message.

Staff of the Faculty of Agriculture 

Professor Facknath versatility across various subjects is nothing short of remarkable; she has made substantial contributions in areas such as organic farming, aquaponics, sustainable agriculture, and climate-smart agriculture. Each of these fields plays a crucial role in addressing contemporary challenges related to food security and environmental sustainability. Many technicians and academics who were present during this gathering had once been students under her guidance. They eagerly shared personal anecdotes about how she supervised their projects with care, provided invaluable advice that advanced them forward in their careers, and fostered an environment where learning thrived.

The fond memories recounted by former students highlighted not only their enjoyment, but also the profound impact of her classes on genetics and zoology—subjects that are essential for understanding biological systems within agriculture. It became abundantly clear that there was a unanimous sentiment among all attendees: Professor Facknath has shaped their professional journeys through her dedication to teaching and mentorship. 

As they expressed their heartfelt wishes for her future endeavours, it was evident that everyone hopes for nothing but success as she steps into this new chapter of life filled with relaxation, exploration, and personal fulfilment. 

 

A summary of the main wishes expressed in the messages on her retirement card.

 Key Messages:

1. Congratulations and Well-Wishes for Retirement:

   • Many messages express congratulations on her retirement.
   • "Happy Retirement," "Wishing you a happy retirement," and "Congratulation" are repeated throughout.

2. Appreciation for Contributions:

   • Several messages highlight the recipient's impact and contributions over the years.
   • Terms such as "mentor," "friend," "colleague," and "teacher" are used to describe the relationship with her.
   • Expressions of gratitude for guidance, support, and wisdom are common.

3. Reminiscing About Memories:

   • Some messages recall specific memories or experiences shared with her.
   • References to past interactions, lectures, or personal encounters are mentioned.

4. Wishes for Future Happiness:

   • Many messages wish the recipient good health, happiness, and fulfilment in their retirement.
   • Encouragement to enjoy life, relax, and pursue hobbies or interests is a recurring theme.
   • Phrases like "Take time to do the many things you've always wanted to" and "Enjoy the moment" are included.

5. Acknowledgment of Hard Work:

   • Several messages recognize her hard work and dedication over her career.
   • Words like "well-deserved," "hard-working," and "dedication" are used to emphasize this.

6. Expressions of Missing the Recipient:

   • Some messages express that she will be missed.
   • Phrases like "You will be dearly missed" and "We will miss you" convey a sense of loss and appreciation for the person's presence.

7. Encouragement to Start a New Chapter:

   • There are wishes for her to embrace a new phase of life.
   • Phrases like "May your retirement be the start of a whole new life for you" and "Enjoy the next chapter" are written.

 The card conveys a heartfelt message of gratitude, appreciation, and well-wishes for her retirement. It reflects the positive impact she has had on others and expresses hope for a fulfilling and joyful retirement.

 

Happy Retirement Professor Sunita Facknath

A Journey of 38 Years: Reflecting on a Fulfilling Academic Career

Celebrating 25 years of collaboration: Prof. S. Facknath with her invaluable technician, Ms Fadeela Jaumdally

On the eve of her retirement Professor Sunita Facknath sent an email to all university staff to bid farewell and, at the same time, give a glimpse of 38 years she spent at the University of Mauritius.Here below you will find her email that was addressed to all the staff of the university.

Dear all,

I have reached a milestone in my life, and will be retiring from the University as from the 21st May 2025.

  
It has been a long and enriching journey spanning over 38 years, first as a part-time lecturer and then as a full–time academic. 

Joining as a young and naïve Assistant Lecturer/Lecturer (as it was called then) with a Masters degree, and slowly climbing up the academic ranks to full Professorship with two PhDs, has been a road with lots of ups and downs, sweet and not-so-sweet memories, and challenges and accomplishments. Every experience has added to my personal growth and development, and forged me into the person I am today. It has been a wonderful journey, and I am truly grateful to one and all - Senior Management, fellow academics, technical, administrative, and support staff. 

My special thanks to the technical, administrative and support staff who work hard and quietly in the background, and help create the enabling environment that assists us academics to shine and succeed in our professional goals.

  
I have particularly enjoyed the amazing interactions I have had with our students, and find it very heartwarming and satisfying when I see or hear of them in top key positions in the public and private sectors today. I feel truly blessed when former students, some going back to even 30 years or more, greet me with pleasure and appreciation whenever and wherever they see me, even now! 

The morning of 21st May will start a new chapter in my life, and, as has always been my philosophy, I am looking forward to embracing it wholeheartedly and enthusiastically. 

I wish all of you, and our University, continued success and growth, and will follow your progress fondly and affectionately.

Professor Sunita Facknath Retirement Speech - Reflecting on a Journey: Gratitude and Growth at the University

At today's gathering for Professor Facknath’s retirement, there was a get-together where all the staff of the Faculty of Agriculture joined her for a special lunch at the cafeteria of the University of Mauritius. 

On that special day, she gave a brief speech to express gratitude to all the people present and how this has shaped her career. She was quite emotional when giving that speech, and that is understandable Here below you will find a summary of her speech. 

.As I take a moment to look back, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for the incredible journey I've had at the university. It was a place where I encountered so many wonderful people, and truly, everyone has contributed in some way to the path I've walked. I want to express my sincere thanks to all my colleagues, the dedicated technicians, and the management – each one of you played a part.

When I first joined, I felt like I was "just the Indian wife of a Mauritian citizen". But the university, and all the people within it, offered an environment that fostered a profound transformation. It was here that I evolved, first becoming Mrs. Facknath, a lecturer. This environment allowed me to develop my personality and my own identity. The journey continued, and I was given the opportunity to pursue and earn my PhD. Later, I had the immense privilege of becoming a professor.

Through this process, I developed my own identity. As many of you have said, when people encountered me, they began to say things like, "Okay, Dr. Facknath," and associate me with my research topics, like climate change and insects. This university experience is where I had developed my own personality and identity. The university gave me that; all of you gave me that. Many individuals offered invaluable support along the way. I feel deeply grateful to each and every one of you.

Looking ahead, the future is still unfolding. For the moment, my plan is to relax for a few months. I genuinely don't know what the future will bring. However, one thing is certain: my commitment to this community remains. As was mentioned, I want you to know that I will always be available to help, whether it's a small matter or a large one. I've shared my new email address, so please feel free to contact me anytime.

Ultimately, as many good things have been said about me, I know that all the good things you are saying about me are all due to you. Your contributions have shaped who I am today. Thank you, always, for everything.

Food Security Challenges in Mauritius: Insights from Assoc Prof Brinda Ramasawmy Molaye

Associate Professor Brinda Ramasawmy Molaye

On May 2, 2025, the Mauritian Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) aired an insightful program addressing one of the most pressing issues facing Mauritius today — food security. Hosted by journalist Mr. Iswar Gunnoo, this episode of "19 Minutes Le Point" featured among the key speakers Associate Professor Brinda Ramasawmy Molaye, from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Mauritius. Her insights shed light on the current vulnerabilities of the Mauritian food system, as well as opportunities to build resilience and self-sufficiency.  

The video can be viewed here

I. Food Security and Challenges in Mauritius

This blog post summarises a discussion with Associate Professor Brinda Ramasawmt Molaye of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Mauritius, focusing on food security challenges in Mauritius. The discussion highlights that food security is a complex issue extending beyond simple availability, encompassing accessibility (physical and financial), utilization, and stability. Mauritius faces significant challenges due to high import dependence (77% of food products, 19% of total imports in 2023), which makes the country vulnerable to geopolitical events, economic crises (inflation at 7% contributing to 23% vulnerability), and climate change impacts. The discussion emphasizes the need for increased local production, diversification of sources, improved infrastructure, educational initiatives, and a collective, multi-sectoral approach to enhance food security and promote sustainable, healthy diets, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. This blog post summarises key takeaways from the interview to better understand and address food security challenges in Mauritius. 

II. Key Themes and Ideas:

A. Defining Food Security:

• Food security is defined by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) based on four interconnected pillars:
• Availability: Sufficient food must be physically present.
• Accessibility: People must have physical and financial access to food.
• Utilization: Food must be prepared safely and hygienically, with access to clean water, and a diverse range of foods available. Health is also a parallel factor.
• Stability: Access to food must be consistent over time, even during economic or climate crises.
• Two recently added dimensions to food security are:
• Agency: The consumer's ability to make informed choices about their food, how it is produced, and to influence agricultural policy.
• Sustainability: The production system must be durable and ensure healthy food is available for current and future generations.

B. Challenges to Food Security in Mauritius:

• High Import Dependence: Mauritius imports 77% of its food products. In 2023, food imports represented 19% of all imports, valued at 54 billion euros. This high dependence makes the country highly vulnerable to external shocks.
• Vulnerability to Geopolitical and Economic Crises: Crises like the one currently experienced directly impact food costs.
• Inflation and Accessibility: 7% inflation contributes to 23% of the population being vulnerable to food insecurity, particularly impacting financial accessibility as the consumer basket becomes less affordable.
• Vulnerability to Climate Change: The country is also highly vulnerable to climatic hazards like cyclones, floods, and droughts, which affect local production. These events also impact production in the countries from which Mauritius imports, further contributing to vulnerability
• Dependence on Imports for Animal Production: Mauritius is over 90% dependent on imported inputs for animal production, like chicken production.
• Lack of Regional Integration: Despite historical potential as a regional food hub (Madagascar mentioned as the "granary of the Indian Ocean"), regional trade has not fully materialized for various reasons, leading to imports from distant countries.

C. Initiatives and Recommendations:

• Increasing Local Production: Efforts should focus on boosting local agricultural production.Mention of increasing local production percentage is key, though full self-sufficiency in all sectors is considered difficult.
• Promoting Agroecology and Sustainable Practices: The FALCON association is mentioned for its work in environmentally respectful agriculture, soil and biodiversity preservation, and promoting agroecology.
• Fighting Food Waste: The FALCON association has an initiative to combat food waste and promote food security through meal distribution in schools and food transformation.
• Education and Training: Offering agricultural training programs, particularly for young people, in areas like vegetable cultivation, urban agriculture, and composting.
• Diversification of Import Sources: Regional collaboration is seen as potentially beneficial. While Mauritius currently imports heavily from distant continental countries, exploring opportunities within the region, potentially with countries like Madagascar (historically referred to as the "granary of the Indian Ocean"), could be valuable, although past efforts have not fully materialised.
•  A regional project is currently underway, initiated by CIRAD (a French international agricultural research center) based in Reunion. This project, called ITALIQ (Innovation Technologique et Organisationnelle pour des Aliments de Qualité), is funded by the European Union and involves Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, and the Comoros. The project aims to target quality food for communities, specifically focusing on school catering and children. More Details is provided at the end of the post.
• The focus on children is because it's important to educate them about healthy, balanced foods from a very young age. The project involves a diagnosis of the current situation in schools, finding that only certain schools currently offer hot or cold meals. The goal is to potentially set up a pilot project to extend school catering to all children. This requires collaboration among stakeholders like the Ministry of Education, private companies, and NGOs. Providing children with healthy, balanced food is seen as crucial for their health and the future health and progress of the nation.
• Focus on Healthy and Local Food: There is also an emphasis on promoting local produce. Enjoying seasonal fruits like guavas, mangoes, or pineapples is encouraged. Local produce is seen as having potential benefits, such as potentially fewer pesticides or insecticides used compared to imported produce. The supply circuit for local products is also shorter. Promoting local products like fresh liquid milk, even if production volume is currently small, is also considered potentially valuable for school distribution.
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   Addressing Water Scarcity and Sustainable Farming: Challenges remain, such as managing resources like water, especially with climate change. Implementing water-efficient farming techniques like hydroponics and potentially advanced systems that recycle water and smart farming are viewed as technologies that can address water scarcity and optimize production.
• Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: Emphasizing the need for collaboration between different sectors (education, agriculture, health) and stakeholders (farmers, vendors, cantines, parents, institutions) to address food security effectively.
• The Right to Adequate Food: Highlighting that the right to adequate food is a universal human right (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948), implying economic and continuous access.
• Collective Responsibility: Food security is a collective responsibility involving institutions, participants in the food chain, and individuals through actions like growing some food themselves.
• Several local actors contribute to the food supply chain. Les Moulins de la Concorde plays a role in ensuring food security by milling wheat into flour. They have storage capacity for 40,000 tonnes of wheat across 16 silos, representing about 3.5 months of consumption, helping to ensure a regular supply of flour even during crises.
• Avipro is a key player in the chicken production chain for local consumption, producing around 43,000 tonnes annually, contributing to local protein supply.
  
  
  
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• Dairy Sector: While local milk production is small, it is seen as a high-quality fresh product that could potentially be distributed in schools.

IV. Implications:

The discussion highlights the critical need for Mauritius to move towards greater food sovereignty by reducing import dependence and increasing local, sustainable production. This requires coordinated efforts across government, industry, civil society, and individuals. Investing in agricultural training, infrastructure, and promoting healthy diets from a young age are crucial for long-term food security and public health. The vulnerability to external shocks underscores the urgency of these actions.

V. Next Steps/Considerations:

• Further research and analysis on specific strategies for increasing local production and diversifying food sources.
• Development and implementation of targeted policies to support sustainable agriculture and reduce reliance on imported inputs.
• Expansion of educational programs on healthy eating and sustainable food practices.
• Strengthening regional cooperation on food security initiatives.
• Exploring innovative farming methods to address resource constraints and climate change impacts.
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• Brief on ITALIQ Project:Ce projet régional Interreg ITALIQ (Innovations technologiques et organisationnelles pour des aliments de qualité), qui vise à améliorer la sécurité alimentaire dans les États insulaires du sud-ouest de l'océan Indien, en favorisant la disponibilité d’aliments variés de qualité (sanitaire, nutritionnelle et organoleptique) sur les marchés locaux et régionaux, tout en valorisant la diversité des cultures vivrières locales.
  
  L'étude a démarré en avril 2025 par le cas de Maurice, sur la sous-action 3 qui porte sur la restauration scolaire dans l’océan Indien et vise aussi la Réunion, Maurice, Madagascar et Mayotte.
  
  L'équipe de chercheurs est composée du côté de l'UoM, du Dr Brinda Ramasawmy Molaye et de Hansley Hurnam (Trainee Project Assistant), et du côté du CIRAD, du Dr Hélène David-Benz et d'Antoine Sluysmans du CIRAD. Ce projet d'une durée de 3 ans est financé par l'Union Européenne.
  La distribution de repas ou de collations étant loin d’être systématique à Maurice, les chercheurs s'intéressent aux différentes initiatives, que l’on peut considérer comme innovantes, portées par l’éducation nationale, l’enseignement privé, les associations ou ONG. L’objectif est de caractériser les différentes formes de distribution alimentaire dans les établissements scolaires (primaire et secondaire), leurs modes de fonctionnement et contraintes, avec un regard porté en particulier sur l’approvisionnement et les potentiels / freins / leviers pour un approvisionnement en produits locaux.