Member states at the World Health Assembly have approved a roadmap which sets a new voluntary target for the reduction of air pollution. This would see the deaths attributable to anthropogenic air pollution cut by 50% within 15 years.
The road map, which replaces one adopted in 2016, calls for stronger integration of public health expertise into environmental decision-making and outlines four key areas of action: knowledge and evidence, measuring progress, institutional capacity, and global leadership.
Knowledge and evidence
The 2021 WHO air quality guidelines provide updated thresholds to minimise harm, yet it is felt that translating this science into enforceable standards remains a challenge. The health sector is urged to work closely with governments and regulatory bodies to ensure that national and local air quality policies are grounded in public health principles. Additionally, health professionals are encouraged to guide policymaking through the use of health impact assessments and economic analyses that demonstrate the benefits of clean air initiatives.
Measuring progress
While the direct monitoring of air quality typically falls outside the health sector’s mandate, WHO stresses the importance of health agencies partnering with environmental bodies to collect and interpret data. Emphasis is placed on tracking impacts among vulnerable populations and using technology such as big data analytics and Internet-of-Things-enabled devices to enhance surveillance.
Institutional capacity
The road map highlights a critical gap in health education: air pollution is rarely included in training for healthcare professionals. WHO has developed training toolkits and is promoting their widespread adoption through collaboration with medical institutions and public health associations. The aim is to equip front-line workers with the knowledge and tools to advise patients, advocate for clean air, and contribute to cross-sectoral policy development.
Global leadership
Finally, the WHO emphasises the global leadership role of the health sector in advocating for clean air. By engaging in national and international policy-making processes and effectively communicating the health benefits of pollution reduction, health professionals can help align air quality goals with climate, energy, and sustainable development agendas. The report calls for governments to ensure health ministries are properly resourced to play this leadership role, particularly as countries pursue goals under the Paris Agreement.
The road map recommends that these actions should be initiated immediately and ‘integrated into policy and programmatic decision-making processes by 2030.’
A review in 2030 will examine the progress that is being made towards these targets.
The updated roadmap can be read here.
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