Environmental intervention models

Generally, there are two intervention models: the clinical intervention model, which looks at treating the sick person, and the public health model, including environmental health, which looks at how to stop people getting sick in the first place by providing a healthy environment.

If we look at these two models in a wider context, then there are additional factors that must be considered. These include having helpful local policies, appropriate community level organisations, sanitation legislation, developing sanitation technology options and poverty alleviation efforts. Political will in policy development in health and environmental health, designing the hygiene and sanitation legal frameworks and long-term socio-economic developments, are aspects of the government's responsibilities.

As a health professional you have an important role in the prevention of environmental hazards that affect the health of the public.