Sifte Radio

Tag: noncommunicable diseases

  • Health Consequences of Air Pollution on Populations (WHO)

    photograph of three plain releasing colorful smokes
    What Are the Public Health Impacts of Air Pollution?

    Exposure to high levels of air pollution can lead to a variety of health issues. The short- and long-term health consequences of air pollution exposure, particularly from fine particles that penetrate deep into lung passageways, must be carefully assessed. These fine particles pose a significant threat to public health, increasing the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions are particularly at risk. Poor air quality also heightens the likelihood of stillbirth, miscarriage, and neurological conditions like cognitive impairment and dementia.

    In 2019, air pollution was responsible for around 6.7 million deaths worldwide. Nearly 85% of these deaths were due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including ischemic heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes. This makes air pollution the second leading cause of NCDs globally, following tobacco.

    What Can We Do to Protect Ourselves?

    Addressing air pollution requires collective action and responsibility. We must all take swift and proactive measures to reduce air pollution, involving coordinated efforts across all sectors, including national, state, and local governments, cities, communities, and individuals.

    • National Governments: Reduce emissions and establish national standards that meet WHO air quality guidelines. Invest in research and education about clean air and pollution. Utilize tools to evaluate policies and monitor progress on air quality initiatives.
    • Cities and Local Communities: Incorporate health considerations into all policies and ensure there is sufficient data and tools to assess health outcomes.
    • Individuals: Advocate for your right to a healthy and sustainable environment. Hold your government accountable.
    • Everyone: Reevaluate lifestyle choices and make sustainable decisions for ourselves, our children, and future generations.

    What Is Particulate Matter?

    Particulate matter (PM) refers to tiny particles in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. Diesel vehicles and coal-fired power plants typically emit high concentrations of particulate matter. Particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10) pose serious health risks because they can be inhaled and accumulate in the respiratory system. Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5), also known as “fine” particles, pose the greatest health risks due to their ability to lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

    What Are the Sources of Air Pollution?

    Major sources of air pollution include inefficient modes of transport (using polluting fuels and vehicles), the combustion of household fuels for cooking, lighting, and heating, coal-fired power plants, agriculture, and waste burning. Some air pollutants are also greenhouse gases, which further exacerbate the health impacts of air pollution.

    What Can Countries Do to Reduce Air Pollution?

    To mitigate the health consequences of air pollution, countries can:

    • Develop sustainable transport systems in cities
    • Implement effective solid waste management practices
    • Provide access to clean household fuels and cookstoves
    • Develop markets for renewable energy and energy efficiency
    • Reduce industrial emissions

    How Does WHO Work with Countries to Reduce Air Pollution?

    WHO identifies and monitors air pollutants with the greatest health impacts, helping countries focus on the most effective ways to reduce health risks. By reviewing and analyzing scientific evidence and expert advice, WHO identifies effective measures to combat air pollution.

    In 2015, WHO Member States adopted a resolution to address the adverse health effects of air pollution. They agreed on a roadmap for an enhanced global response to these effects. WHO’s work is based on four pillars:

    1. Expanding the knowledge base
    2. Monitoring and reporting
    3. Global leadership and coordination
    4. Institutional capacity strengthening

    WHO’s Strategy on Air Quality and Health

    WHO’s strategy outlines concrete actions where the health sector can lead or support efforts to promote health in all policies and ensure access to quality health services. The three cross-cutting areas are:

    1. Knowledge, evidence, and measuring progress
    2. Institutional capacity building and technical support
    3. Leadership and coordination

    The “WHO Strategic Approach for Air Quality, Energy Access, and Health” framework (2023-2030) aims to enhance WHO’s efforts in protecting populations from the health consequences of air pollution and lack of energy access.

    Note to Editors:
    This press release was updated on 25 June 2024 to reflect revised data and links.

    SOURCE: who.int

  • Impact of Healthier Environments on Reducing the Global Burden of Disease

    red and white bokeh lightsThe Critical Role of Healthier Environments in Reducing Global Disease Burden

    Healthier environments have the potential to significantly reduce the global burden of disease, with estimates suggesting that almost one-quarter of it could be prevented. The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly highlighted the fragile relationship between human health and the health of our planet. Ensuring clean air, a stable climate, adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene, safe use of chemicals, protection from radiation, healthy workplaces, sustainable agricultural practices, health-supportive cities and built environments, and preserved nature are all essential prerequisites for good health.

    In 2016, around 13.7 million deaths per year, or 24% of global deaths, were attributable to modifiable environmental risks. This translates to nearly one in four deaths globally being linked to environmental conditions. The pathways through which disease agents and exposures occur are numerous, and unhealthy environmental conditions are widespread, affecting most disease and injury categories. Noncommunicable diseases such as ischaemic heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers are the most common outcomes, followed closely by injuries, respiratory infections, and strokes.

    To address these challenges and promote healthier environments for healthier populations, various initiatives are underway. These include addressing the health consequences of air pollution, hosting global conferences on air pollution and health, and convening health professionals to advance the climate change and health agenda. For example, progress on basic energy access has reversed for the first time in a decade, underscoring the need for continued efforts.

    Recent publications highlight the importance of providing safe and sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, managing healthcare waste, and ensuring reliable electricity. These efforts are crucial for maintaining public health, especially in fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable settings. Adolescents, who make up about 1.3 billion of the world’s population, are particularly at risk due to prolonged exposure to unhealthy environments.

    Small drinking-water supplies often face operational, managerial, technical, and resourcing challenges, impacting their ability to deliver safe water. Energy access is also linked to many sustainable development priorities, including public health, gender equality, food security, clean water, education, and economic development.

    Efforts to accelerate access to electricity in healthcare facilities, the impact of health innovations, R&D processes, and access to essential health services are all part of the broader agenda to build healthier environments. Stories of success and ongoing challenges are being shared through various platforms, including features on air pollution, health and environment scorecards, worker health and safety, and ethical radiological imaging.

    Upcoming events and webinars continue to address these critical issues, such as the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, webinars on accessing GCF Readiness funds, conducting gender analyses for climate change and health vulnerability assessments, and developing Health National Adaptation Plans (HNAPs).

    Country profiles on air pollution, chemical safety, children’s environmental health, climate change, health impact assessments, occupational health, radiation, sustainable development, ultraviolet radiation, urban health, and WASH provide valuable insights into the state of environmental health worldwide. By focusing on these areas, we can move towards a future where healthier environments lead to healthier populations.

    source: who.int