World Health Organisation, WHO, has announced that more than 47 million health professionals, patients and advocates signed a global call for urgent action to reduce air pollution.
This call aims to protect public health and combat the devastating effects of air pollution which causes around seven million deaths annually from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
WHO said in a statement on Monday that the call would also protect people’s health from the devastating impact of air pollution.
The global health agency, alongside international health organisations, will present this call at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, in March.
Its Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasised the need for bold and science-driven action to reduce emissions, enforce stricter air quality standards and transition to cleaner energy.
”The conference will gather political leaders, civil society representatives and experts to drive a global clean air agenda, with a focus on addressing Non-Communicable Diseases, NCDs, linked to air pollution, such as heart diseases and lung cancer.
“WHO advocates stronger air quality standards, particularly in low-income areas, to reduce the impact of dangerous household air pollution.” NAN
