Global Call to Action Against Air Pollution: Nearly 50 Million Support Initiative

Nearly 50 million people, including 47 million health professionals, have called for urgent action against air pollution, which causes 7 million deaths annually. The initiative will be presented at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, in March 2025. WHO’s Director-General emphasizes the importance of this collective effort in addressing public health concerns and climate change.

A significant initiative has emerged as nearly 50 million individuals, including 47 million health professionals and advocates worldwide, have endorsed a call to action aimed at reducing air pollution and safeguarding public health. With air pollution contributing to approximately 7 million annual deaths, the urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. This collective effort will be showcased at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, scheduled for March 25-27, 2025.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and several international health organizations spearheaded this campaign. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the organization’s commitment to aid countries in implementing evidence-based strategies to combat air pollution and its associated diseases. He remarked, “Forty-seven million people from the health community have issued a clarion call for urgent, bold, science-driven action on air pollution, and their voices must be heard.”

The conference aims to unify political leaders, civil society representatives, UN entities, and academic stakeholders to catalyze a global clean air initiative. This movement aspires to enhance public health, tackle climate change, and promote sustainable development. The health community is urging governments to adopt immediate measures to reduce emissions and enforce rigorous air quality standards while transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Acknowledging the severe impacts of air pollution, these discussions will also align with the upcoming 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), as many of these diseases are associated with air pollution exposure. Currently, the global NCD epidemic claims 41 million lives annually, underscoring the importance of addressing air pollution to improve overall health outcomes.

Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director for Environment, Climate Change and Health, advocated for urgent collaborative efforts in transitioning to cleaner energy and enhancing public transportation. She stated, “While the challenge is immense, progress is possible. Many cities and countries have significantly improved air quality by enforcing stricter pollution limits. Clean air is not a privilege; it is a human right as recognized by the UN General Assembly.”

Looking forward, the commitments established during the conference and subsequent meetings will be pivotal in fostering a healthier, sustainable global future. Currently, around 2.1 billion individuals are at risk due to household air pollution, emphasizing the necessity for concerted action. In Kenya, significant air pollution arises from multiple sources, including vehicle emissions and open burning of waste. Therefore, it is essential for countries to commit to concrete actions, including establishing and enforcing stringent air quality standards in line with WHO guidelines.

The global health community’s call for action to address air pollution, endorsed by nearly 50 million individuals, highlights the urgent need for immediate governmental response. The upcoming Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health will serve as a platform for concrete commitments aimed at improving air quality and public health. Collaborative action towards cleaner energy and emission reductions is vital in combating the severe impacts of air pollution and associated NCDs, ultimately paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke