Over 47 million global health professionals and advocates have united to demand immediate action against air pollution, which causes 7 million deaths annually. The WHO is leading this initiative, presenting it at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in March 2025, to foster commitments for improved air quality standards and public health enhancements.
In a remarkable demonstration of solidarity, over 47 million health professionals, patients, and advocates worldwide have initiated a urgent plea for action against air pollution to safeguard public health. Air pollution stands as a leading environmental hazard to human health, with approximately 7 million fatalities each year attributed to its effects on respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
This global initiative, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) alongside various health organizations, will be presented at the forthcoming Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, scheduled for March 25–27, 2025, in Cartagena, Colombia. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasizes the need for immediate and evidence-backed intervention to combat air pollution and prevent related illnesses.
Facilitated by the WHO and the Colombian Government, the conference aims to unite political leaders, civil society representatives, UN agencies, and academicians to promote a global agenda for air quality improvement, which is vital for public health and sustainable development. The health community is urging governments to take decisive actions, such as reducing emissions and enforcing stringent air quality regulations, in order to improve overall health and the environment.
Key statistics reflect the dire impact of air pollution; for instance, approximately 2.1 billion individuals are subjected to hazardous household air pollution from traditional cooking methods. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), largely exacerbated by air pollution, result in 41 million deaths annually, highlighting the necessity of addressing air quality as a means to mitigate these health issues.
The sources of air pollution are diverse and context-dependent, stemming from both human activities like energy production and transportation, as well as natural occurrences such as dust storms. A concerted effort to improve air quality through established solutions could lead to a significant decrease in premature deaths and bolster economic sustainability while combating climate change.
The conference is expected to yield commitments from participating nations to adopt stringent air quality standards in line with the WHO’s guidelines. Recent updates from WHO, in collaboration with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, have presented an enhanced database on air quality standards from around 140 countries, exemplifying efforts to mitigate pollution’s toll on public health. Dr. Maria Neira of the WHO underscores the notion that achieving clean air is essential and a fundamental human right as acknowledged by the UN.
The political pledges made during the conference and the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs will be pivotal in promoting a cleaner and healthier future. Urgent action is now imperative to address this pressing public health challenge.
In sum, the global call for urgent action to address air pollution has garnered immense support from millions across various sectors. The upcoming conference presents a vital opportunity for countries to commit to enforceable air quality standards and implement strategies that tackle the detrimental health effects of air pollution while fostering sustainable development. Immediate and collaborative efforts are essential for ensuring clean air, which is essential for human health and well-being.
Original Source: www.who.int
