“A better environment leads to better health” said the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as it joined the international community in today’s, April 7, observance of the “World Health Day 2022.”

It pointed out that this year’s theme “Our Planet, Our Health” highlights the interconnectedness between the environment and people's health.

"A heating world caused by climate change and the increased burning of fossil fuels have led to the environmental degradation that affects the life of our ecosystems -- from the loss of animal habitat to soil, air, and water pollution that impacts the health of people and lead to diseases and injuries worldwide," it said in its social media post.

In the Philippines, the CHR noted that environmental pollution has sadly led to an increased risk of the contraction of respiratory illnesses due to poor air quality and other water-borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera. This is also due to Filipinos' lack of access to clean drinking water, it said.

Since good health is a basic human right, the CHR stressed that it is high time Filipinos become more mindful of the environment and take care of the ecosystems because this will, in turn, translate to their wellbeing.

"This World Health Day reminds us of the ties that bind us humans and the environment as part of nature’s ecosystem," the CHR said.

"In protecting and promoting our right to health, let us not forget the importance of a sustainable and resilient environment for the benefit of our health and the future generations,” it stressed.