Nearly 50 million people have endorsed a global call for action against air pollution, emphasizing its detrimental health impacts. The World Health Organization will present this initiative at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia. Urgent actions, such as stricter emissions regulations and transition to cleaner energy, are needed to combat air pollution, a leading cause of death associated with NCDs.
A recent initiative has garnered nearly 50 million signatures globally, encompassing health professionals, patients, and civil society advocates, urging urgent action against air pollution for improved public health. This environmental crisis, primarily driven by air pollution, contributes to an estimated 7 million deaths annually, predominantly caused by respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with international health organizations, will present this call to action at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, from March 25–27, 2025. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for immediate, science-informed responses to tackle air pollution effectively.
At the conference, leaders from various sectors will engage in discussions aimed at establishing a comprehensive clean air agenda that supports both public health and climate objectives. The health community is advocating for governments to implement stringent emission reductions, enhance air quality regulation, and promote the adoption of clean energy solutions.
Additionally, the critical message on air pollution will precede the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), as many health conditions are linked to air pollution exposure, resulting in 41 million deaths annually. Addressing air pollution is seen as vital in combating this NCD epidemic.
Dr. Maria Neira from WHO emphasizes the urgency in transitioning to renewable energy and establishing low-emission zones within cities. She stated that progress is achievable, as evidenced by various cities that have improved air quality through better regulations. Moreover, clean air is framed as a fundamental human right, as recognized by the UN General Assembly.
Counties attending the conference are encouraged to commit to actions such as aligning air quality standards with WHO’s guidelines, which will significantly contribute to achieving a healthier future and combating household air pollution affecting approximately 2.1 billion individuals worldwide. In Kenya, sources of air pollution include traffic emissions and waste burning, highlighting the need for active mitigation strategies.
The growing global call to action against air pollution underscores the urgent need for governmental and societal commitment to improve public health. With nearly 50 million supporters, this initiative aims to mobilize efforts towards clean air, linking air quality directly to noncommunicable diseases and overall health outcomes. The upcoming conference in Colombia presents a pivotal opportunity for countries to commit to necessary measures that promote cleaner air and sustainability.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
