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Environmental health science research: opportunities and challenges for some developing countries in Africa
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This systematic review examines the challenges and opportunities in environmental health research across African countries. While broader than microplastics alone, the findings highlight that developing nations face significant gaps in monitoring pollutants, including plastic contamination, which means health risks may be underestimated in regions with less research infrastructure.
Due to ongoing developmental projects, there is a need for regular monitoring of the impact of pollutants on the environment. This review documented the challenges and opportunities in the field of environmental health sciences in some African countries. A systematic review was used to investigate opportunities and challenges in the field of environmental health science in Africa by examining published work with a specific focus on Africa. The reports showed that funding and infrastructure as the major problems. The study also highlighted recruiting study participants, retention, and compensation as a bane in the field in Africa. The absence of modern equipment also hinders research. The review, however, noted research collaboration from the region including studies on emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microplastic (MPs) as great opportunities. The study concluded that collaboration with other continents, exchange programs and improved governmental interventions may help.
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.