BACKGROUND

As unemployed Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), i.e. Health Inspectors, we are deeply concerned about the critical gap in protecting public health across South Africa. Despite intensive training and dedication to safeguarding our communities, many qualified EHPs  find themselves without meaningful employment due to systemic neglect and inadequate resource allocation.

Across South Africa, only 1,712 EHPs are currently employed, leaving a shortfall of 6,203 practitioners needed to serve our population effectively. This shortage not only undermines our ability to tackle public health issues like food safety, waste management, water quality, and pollution control but also puts countless lives at risk.

IMPORTANCE OF EHPS

Environmental Health Practitioners are essential frontline workers. We safeguard communities from health hazards and prevent outbreaks of diseases by monitoring and managing environmental risk factors. Our expertise is critical in ensuring safe, healthy environments and sustainable communities.

The impact of not employing enough EHPs is evident in the declining health standards and increased risk of public health emergencies and outbreaks, like the recent outbreak of foodborne disease. It is time for our government to acknowledge this deficiency and take immediate, decisive action to rectify it.

REQUEST TO SA GOVERNMENT
We urge the South African government to implement a strategic employment plan to recruit at least 1,000 EHPs as a first step in addressing this crisis. By doing so, we not only create jobs for trained professionals but also significantly strengthen the public health infrastructure.

Please join us in calling for the mass employment of 1000 Environmental Health Practitioners. Your signature can help pressure the government to prioritize public health and environmental safety. Together, we can work towards a healthier future for all South Africans. Sign this petition to make a difference.