Band 6+: Some people think that in order to prevent illness and disease, governments should make efforts in reducing environmental pollutions and housing problems. To what extent do you agree to disagree with this statement?

In recent years, it has been widely acknowledged that governments should put an emphasis on mitigating environment-related pollution and accommodation issues so that illness and disease will be averted. From my perspective, although this view is reasonable to a certain extent, I would argue that other factors should be more focused in order to alleviate these health issues.

First and foremost, environmental pollution and housing problems can indeed lead to a variety of health issues. Regarding the former, air pollution, stemming primarily from vehicle emissions and industrial activities can significantly impact respiratory health, leading to conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is significantly evident in polluted urban centers like Hanoi, where the incidence of asthma is on the rise yearly. Turning to the latter, housing problems such as overcrowding and substandard living conditions can exacerbate health challenges by providing an environment conducive to the spread of diseases. High property prices and economic instability often force individuals with low salaries to live in cramped, unhygienic spaces, negatively affecting their overall well-being.

In addition to the aforementioned factors, the potential decline in people’s health can also be attributed to insufficient physical exercise and limited access to healthcare facilities, especially in regional areas. Therefore, It is recommended that authorities allocate state funds to establish more fitness centers and enhance access to advanced medical facilities and specialized healthcare professionals to improve the overall well-being of individuals. Additionally, the fast-paced and stressful lifestyle in major areas can also contribute to significant mental health problems. The constant hustle, combined with high living costs and work pressures, fosters an environment where stress and anxiety prevail, subsequently leading to a range of mental health ailments such as anxiety and depression.

In conclusion, while I acknowledge that environmental pollution and housing issues are closely linked to health problems, I believe that offering more healthcare facilities and promoting healthy lifestyle changes should also be on the government’s agenda.