Innovative environmental health initiatives in Brazil: case study of green and healthy environments programme (GHEP) in São Paulo

The term “environmental health” (EH) refers to relevant aspects of human health that are shaped by physical, chemical, biological, socio-economic and demographic considerations surrounding the ecology and environment. Importantly, EH envisages “quality of life” indicators. According to the considered view of this evidence-based research work, the environment has the potential to impact, both directly and indirectly, human health and well-being. EH aims to examine the interaction between the “environmental demography”, on the one hand, and “health outcomes of people”, on the other. In today’s world situation, the conceptual framework of EH has gained increased significance for all nations, regions, and continents of the globe. All countries are confronted with outcomes resulting from damage to environment and surrounding ecology, Brazil (a country in South America) is no exception. It is for this reason that the several initiatives are underway in Brazil to address the issues connected with EH and resulting sustainable development (SD) concerns. The Green and Healthy Environments Programme (GHEP) in São Paulo, Brazil is one such innovative program. The prime objective of this research is to present discussion on projects and programs undertaken by GHEP in the area of EH. Secondary data (largely ‘qualitative’ in nature) have been used; and the methodology of data analysis is ‘descriptive’. This paper briefly concludes that the Municipal Green and Environment Secretariat (MGES), the Municipal Health Secretariat (MHS), and the Municipal Social Development Secretariat (SMADS) have designed and implemented the Green and Healthy Environments Programme (GHEP) in São Paulo, Brazil. The GHEP aims to (1) strengthen public policies, and (2) build environmental health management (in collaboration and active participation of the local community).